Lionel Messi has concluded the 2026 MLS regular season as the league's top scorer and established an achievement previously unmatched by any player in the American soccer elite. The Inter Miami star captured the Golden Boot award, closing the season with 26 goals and establishing a solid four-goal lead over his closest pursuer, Petar Musa of Dallas (22 goals). Nashville forward Sam Surridge took third place in the scoring race with 21 precise strikes. Details about the Argentine's record-breaking season can be found in a report by Sport RBC.UA.
First in History: Two Golden Boots in a Row
This success allowed Messi to become the first footballer in MLS history to claim the top scorer title in two consecutive seasons. Last year, he received the award thanks to 29 goals in 28 matches. Previously, five players had managed to win two MLS Golden Boots: Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman, and Preki. However, none of them managed to defend the top scorer title in consecutive seasons, which is precisely what makes the Argentine's achievement unprecedented.
Record in Goals Plus Assists
Messi's statistics in 2026 are impressive not only for the number of goals scored. In addition to his 26 precise strikes, the Argentine contributed 17 assists, taking first place in the league for goals plus assists with 43 points. Thus, he became the first MLS player to record more than 40 goal-contributing actions in two consecutive seasons. This highlights that Messi remains not just the top scorer, but also the key playmaker for his team.
A Bitter Aftertaste in the Final Round
However, the star failed to end the regular season with another goal. In the final round against Charlotte, the forward did not register any goal contributions. Inter Miami was confidently leading 3-0 after the first half, but managed to squander their advantage and finished the match in a 3-3 draw. Dropping points in the final match of the regular season was the only unpleasant moment in an otherwise stellar year for the Argentine.
The MVP Race and the Start of the Playoffs
Messi is now considered the main contender for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. If he wins the vote, he will become the first three-time winner of this award in history. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is preparing for the start of the MLS Cup playoffs, which begin on November 19. Having finished second in the Eastern Conference, Messi's team will face Columbus Crew in a best-of-three series. At stake is the defense of the championship title won last year.
