Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to claim the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons after finishing the 2026 regular campaign as the league’s leading scorer. According to Daily Post on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Inter Miami captain secured the award with 26 goals, adding another milestone to his career.

The 38-year-old finished ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who scored 22 times to take second place in the scoring standings. The four-goal gap ensured Messi remained comfortably clear at the top.

Although Messi did not find the net in Inter Miami’s final regular-season fixture against Charlotte on Saturday, he still played a creative role. The forward supplied two assists as the teams shared a 3-3 draw, helping Miami conclude the campaign with an important point.

The result confirmed Inter Miami’s second-place position in the Eastern Conference standings. That placing secured home-field advantage for the opening two rounds of the MLS playoffs, giving the defending champions a valuable benefit as they begin their attempt to retain the title.

Musa, meanwhile, was unable to increase his goal tally in FC Dallas’ final league match. His side defeated Colorado 3-1 at home, but the Croatian striker did not score, leaving him four goals behind Messi.

Messi’s back-to-back Golden Boot triumph is a historic achievement for the competition. No player had previously finished as MLS’s leading scorer in successive seasons, making the Inter Miami forward the first to accomplish the feat. The award also underlines his continued importance to the club.

His latest success has come at a significant stage of his career. At 38, Messi remains a central figure in Inter Miami’s attacking play, contributing not only through his finishing but also through his ability to create opportunities for teammates. His performance against Charlotte offered another example, as he recorded two assists despite failing to score.

Inter Miami will now shift their attention to the postseason, aiming to defend their championship. Their second-place finish in the Eastern Conference means they enter the playoffs with home advantage during the first two rounds, an opportunity they will hope to use as they pursue another title.

Messi’s individual achievement provides further encouragement ahead of the knockout stage. Securing the Golden Boot for a second consecutive year highlights the consistency of his scoring output and gives Miami another reason for confidence as the competition enters its decisive phase.

The Argentine’s 26-goal return has placed him ahead of the league’s other leading finishers, while his contribution in the final match showed that he can influence results in different ways. With the playoffs approaching, Inter Miami will rely on their captain’s experience, creativity and goal threat as they seek another successful campaign.

For Messi, the award adds to his collection of individual honours. Becoming the first player to win the MLS Golden Boot in consecutive seasons further strengthens his place in the league’s history and reflects the impact he has made during his time in Miami, cementing his place in the MLS record books.