Lionel Messi wins MLS Golden Boot for second straight season

Lionel Messi Lionel Messi wins MLS Golden Boot for second straight season The Inter Miami forward had a league-high 26 goals this season and added 17 assists. By The Associated Press • Published November 9, 2026 • Updated on November 9, 2026 at 11:12 am Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons. The Inter Miami forward scored a league-high 26 goals this season. He also notched 17 assists and led the league with 43 goal contributions. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are WATCH HERE Messi edged out FC Dallas striker Peter Musa (22 goals) and Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge (21 goals) to take home the award just months after winning the Silver Boot at the 2026 World Cup while leading Argentina to the final . Messi became the sixth two-time MLS Golden Boot winner, joining Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki. The Argentine great, who retired from the national team this year, had 29 goals and 19 assists when he won the MLS award in 2025. Lionel Messi Oct 6 What's next for Messi after Argentina retirement? His career is not over yet Lionel Messi Aug 31 Lionel Messi announces retirement from international soccer with Argentina Messi could be up for another accolade on Monday night and become the first three-time winner of the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. The award will be announced at 8 p.m. ET. Messi and No. 2-seeded Miami face the No. 7-seeded Columbus Crew in a best-of-three series in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Soccer superstar Lionel Messi announced on Instagram that he is retiring from the Argentina national team. Copyright The Associated Press This article tagged under: Lionel Messi