Lionel Messi Wins Second Consecutive MLS Golden Boot as Inter Miami Finish Regular Season
Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has won his second consecutive MLS Golden Boot after finishing the 2026 regular season as the league’s leading scorer.
The Inter Miami captain scored 26 goals, becoming the first player to win the award in back-to-back seasons. He finished four goals ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who ended the campaign without scoring in his team’s 3-1 victory over Colorado.
Messi’s achievement came on Saturday, November 7, despite failing to find the net in Inter Miami’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC on the final day of the regular season.
Messi Helps Inter Miami Secure Second Place
Although Messi did not score against Charlotte, he contributed to Miami’s opening two goals through his corner kicks.
Miami took the lead in the 14th minute after a corner from Messi was not properly cleared by Charlotte midfielder Luca de la Torre. The ball fell to Ian Fray, who finished to make it 1-0.
Messi delivered another dangerous corner in the 33rd minute, allowing Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez to head home and double Miami’s advantage. Rodrigo De Paul added a third goal before the break.
However, Charlotte produced a strong second-half comeback. Liel Abada scored twice, reducing the deficit before Rodolfo Aloko equalised in the 90th minute.
Messi hit the post during stoppage time, while Aloko also came close to scoring a late winner for Charlotte.
The draw left Inter Miami with 60 points, securing second place in the Eastern Conference and home advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Nashville Sets New MLS Regular-Season Record
Elsewhere, Nashville SC finished top of the Eastern Conference after defeating FC Cincinnati 2-0.
The victory gave Nashville 77 points from 23 wins, eight draws and three defeats, setting a new MLS regular-season points record.
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The club surpassed the previous record of 74 points, which Inter Miami had established in 2024.
New England Revolution finished third with 58 points after losing 1-0 to Orlando City.
Inter Miami and Other Clubs Prepare for MLS Playoffs
Inter Miami will open its playoff campaign against Columbus Crew, who finished seventh after beating Chicago 4-3.
New England will face Philadelphia, while Charlotte will meet Chicago. Nashville will play the winner of the wild-card match between Orlando and Cincinnati.
In the Western Conference, Vancouver Whitecaps finished as champions after beating Montreal 2-0. The result also secured second place overall and home advantage should Vancouver meet Inter Miami again in a repeat of last season’s MLS Cup final.
Portland, Real Salt Lake and Seattle claimed the remaining Western Conference playoff places on the final day.
Portland defeated Austin 2-0, while Real Salt Lake beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1. Seattle secured qualification with a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles FC.
The remaining Western Conference fixtures will see Vancouver face the winner of the Seattle and Real Salt Lake wild-card match. Dallas will meet Portland, LAFC will play St. Louis, and Houston will face San Jose.
With the regular season completed, Messi and Inter Miami will now turn their attention to the playoffs as they pursue another MLS title.
