Lionel Messi makes MLS history and joins EFL legend in rare feat

Lionel Messi has become the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. The Inter Miami forward topped the league’s goalscoring charts by finishing the 2026 regular season with 26 goals in 31 games. Messi and Inter Miami rounded off their campaign on Saturday, squandering a three-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte. The Argentine superstar failed to score but set up Miami’s first two goals from corners at Nu Stadium, as the defending champions secured second place in the Eastern Conference. More history for Messi Despite not adding to his goal tally on the final day of the season, Messi’s impressive haul was still enough to clinch the Golden Boot. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner finished four clear of the nearest challenger this season, FC Dallas striker Peter Musa, and five ahead of Nashville’s English forward Sam Surridge. As well as becoming the first player to win the award in back-to-back years, Messi’s latest success saw him make other history too. He is now just the sixth player to land the Golden Boot twice, joining a list that includes former Charlton and Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips . The 39-year-old, who retired from the Argentina national team last month, also registered 17 assists over the course of the season. Combined with his impressive goal tally, this saw him record 43 goal contributions – producing a league-high for the second year in a row. And the World Cup winner could soon make more history as he bids to become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner. Messi landed the award in 2024 as Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield title and again in 2025, when they lifted the MLS Cup . The Argentina icon is now targeting further success as his club, co-owned by David Beckham , go for a second straight title . Messi’s contributions in 2026 propelled Inter Miami to second in the Eastern Conference table, clinching a play-off spot. They will now face Columbus Crew over three games in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs which begin later this month. Beyond this, Inter have also qualified for the upcoming edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup for a fourth consecutive time. ‘The best of all’ Messi’s record-breaking exploits at 39 have continued to stun the football world, with Inter Miami boss Kily Gonzalez recently singing the praises of the legendary superstar. “I have no doubt that he’s the best of all,” Gonzalez said. “Nobody compares with him, with all due respect to his colleagues. “Leo at his age and what he represents, what he does, from my point of view, deserves the MVP just like he deserved the Ballon d’Or .” Messi recently missed out on a ninth Ballon d’Or, despite his manager saying he deserved it, as he finished fifth in the rankings .