Lionel Messi set a Major League Soccer record by securing the Audi MLS Golden Boot for the second season, CNN Indonesia reported. The Inter Miami striker claimed the award with 26 goals during the 2026 regular season, according to Kompas.
Inter Miami Star Claims Historic Second Straight Golden Boot
Messi finished ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, who scored 22 goals, and Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge with 21 goals, Kompas reported. The achievement marks the second time the Argentine star has topped the league’s scoring charts, following his 29-goal campaign in 2025. Kompas noted that Messi is only the sixth player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot more than once.
Across 31 regular-season appearances in 2026, Messi averaged 0.84 goals per match and generated 43 total goal contributions. Kompas observed that 25 of his 26 goals came from open play, with only one converted from the penalty spot. Meanwhile, his productivity reached 0.88 goals per 90 minutes, placing him second in that category.
Record-Breaking Offensive Output Across Three Seasons
Beyond consecutive scoring titles, Messi became the second player in league history to score at least 25 goals in two consecutive seasons, joining Josef Martinez. CNN Indonesia noted that Messi also stands as the first player in MLS history to record more than 40 goal contributions in a single season. During his three seasons with Inter Miami, the 39-year-old forward has been directly involved in 127 goals.
Count 'em up. 📈 All 26 goals from Messi's Golden Boot winning season. ✨@InterMiamiCF // Golden Boot pres. by Audi pic.twitter.com/yqK9MjjwKB
Commercial impact matches his on-field production. MLS organizers released data on November 4 showing Messi leading the league in jersey sales for the fourth year, from 2023 to 2026. Son Heung-min ranked second in merchandise sales, while Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez and De Paul also featured in the top ten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Messi’s MLS Season
How many goals did Lionel Messi score in the 2026 MLS regular season?
Messi scored 26 goals in 31 regular-season appearances for Inter Miami, according to Kompas.
Who finished behind Messi in the 2026 Golden Boot race?
Petar Musa of FC Dallas finished second with 22 goals, followed by Sam Surridge of Nashville SC with 21 goals, as reported by Kompas.
How long is Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami?
CNN Indonesia reported that Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through the 2028 season.
More on Golden Boot
It had to be him 🫡 Lionel Messi is your 2026 MLS Golden Boot winner finishing the regular season with 26 goals in 31 matches 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HuxlT0JWfW
Lionel Messi wins MLS Golden Boot for the second year in a row https://t.co/MnMVblzC37
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