Messi earns second straight MLS Golden Boot with 26 goals
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi was named the 2026 MLS Golden Boot winner after scoring 26 goals in the regular season. The league announced the honor on Saturday, marking his second straight top-scorer award.
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What happened
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi won the 2026 MLS Golden Boot after scoring 26 goals in the regular season. He became the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons. The league announced the honor on Saturday, the final day of the regular season.
Why it matters
The win makes Messi the first player to claim the MLS top scorer award in back-to-back seasons. It is his second straight Golden Boot.
Timeline
- Nov 7, 9:14 PM ET: Messi was reported to have become the first player to win back-to-back MLS Golden Boot awards after finishing the regular season with 26 goals.
- Nov 7, 9:20 PM ET: The league presented Messi with the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, presented by Audi, as the top scorer for the second consecutive season.
- Nov 7, 10:31 PM ET: On the same day, Inter Miami squandered a three-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte, while Nashville set a league record with 77 points.
Coverage
- GETTING THE BOOT: Messi leads all MLS goal-scorers again (frontrowsoccer.com)
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