Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has made Major League Soccer (MLS) history after becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons.
The 39-year-old Argentine finished the regular season with 26 goals in 31 appearances, four more than FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and five ahead of Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge.
Messi is also the sixth player to win the MLS Golden Boot twice, joining former Charlton Athletic and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips and other previous winners.
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Beyond his goal-scoring record, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner registered 17 assists, taking his total goal contributions to 43 for the season.
It was the second consecutive year Messi led the league in goal contributions, further strengthening his case for another major individual award.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward is also in contention to become the first player to win the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award three times.
Messi previously claimed the honour in 2024, when Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield, and in 2025, when the club lifted the MLS Cup.
However, his individual performances could not secure top spot in the Eastern Conference for Miami, who finished 17 points behind Nashville SC.
Inter Miami will now face Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round series in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Golden Boot achievement adds another milestone to Messi's career, which includes eight Ballon d'Or awards and the 2022 FIFA World Cup title with Argentina.
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