Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF claimed the 2026 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi with 26 goals, finishing ahead of FC Dallas's Petar Musa (22 goals) and Nashville SC's Sam Surridge (21 goals). The Argentine forward also contributed 17 assists for a league-leading 43 goal contributions. Messi becomes the first player in MLS history to win consecutive Golden Boot awards.
This marks the sixth time a player has won the award twice, joining Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki. Last season, Messi netted 29 goals and 18 assists while earning the accolade. He now stands positioned to win a third Landon Donovan MLS MVP award after winning in 2024 and 2025, when Miami captured the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup presented by Audi respectively.
Inter Miami finished the regular season as the Eastern Conference's second seed and will face No. 7 Columbus Crew in a Round One Best-of-3 Series in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
