Messi became the MLS top scorer for the second consecutive season.

Inter Miami's Argentine striker Lionel Messi became the top scorer of the Major League Soccer (MLS) for the second year in a row, scoring 26 goals in the 2026 season. This was announced on November 8 on the league's website.

"Messi became the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot award twice in a row. He is the sixth football player to be awarded this award twice; before him, this achievement was won by Bradley Wright—Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki," the publication says.

In addition to scoring 26 goals, Messi recorded 17 assists, scoring a total of 43 points in the goal + pass system. This indicator also became the best in the league.

In the fight for the title of top scorer, the 38-year-old beat Dallas forward Petar Musa, who scored 22 goals, and Nashville forward Sam Serridge, who scored 21 goals.

In 2025, the Argentine won the Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists. In addition, the eight-time winner of the Golden Ball was recognized as the most valuable player of the MLS in 2024 and 2025. This season, he may become the first player to receive this award three times.

Following the results of the regular season, Inter Miami took the second place in the Eastern Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, Messi's team will face Columbus Crew, who finished the season in seventh place.

On October 28, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo became the winner of the vote for the best winner of the Golden Ball of all time. Ronaldo's victory came in the 2008 season, when he played for the English Manchester United. Then the footballer scored 42 goals in all competitions, won the English championship and the Champions League, and also received his first Golden Ball. The second place in the voting was taken by Messi's 2012 season.