Lionel Messi has become the first player to win consecutive Major League Soccer Golden Boot awards, finishing the regular season with 26 goals as Inter Miami secured second place in the Eastern Conference, Al Jazeera reported.

The Argentine forward finished four goals ahead of Dallas striker Petar Musa despite not scoring in Miami’s 3–3 home draw with Charlotte on Saturday, November 7. Messi scored 29 goals the previous season.

Miami built a three-goal lead before halftime through Ian Fray, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Messi’s corners led to the opening two goals, but Charlotte recovered after the break with two goals from Liel Abada and a 90th-minute equalizer from Rodolfo Aloko. Messi hit the post in stoppage time.

The draw left Miami on 60 points and secured home advantage for the first two playoff rounds. New England finished third on 58 points after losing 1–0 at Orlando.

Nashville topped the Eastern Conference and the overall standings with 77 points after a 2–0 win over Cincinnati, breaking Miami’s 2024 league record of 74.

Defending MLS Cup champion Miami will open its playoff campaign against Columbus. This season’s playoffs begin November 19.

Sources