Messi wins second straight MLS Golden Boot as Nashville sets points record

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 09:23 · Archive

Lionel Messi has won the MLS Golden Boot for a second consecutive season with 26 goals.

Lionel Messi became the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons on Saturday, with 26 goals across 31 appearances. The Argentine superstar finished four clear of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa. According to the BBC, Messi also recorded 17 assists, giving him 43 goal contributions for the season, a league best for the second year running.

On the final day of the regular season, Inter Miami drew 3-3 with Charlotte after squandering a three-goal lead built in the first half by goals from Ian Fray, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Charlotte scored twice through Liel Abada and once more through Rodolfo Aloko in the 90th minute. Miami nonetheless finished second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points, securing home-field advantage for the first two playoff rounds. They will face Columbus Crew in the opening round.

Nashville finished top of the Eastern Conference and set a new MLS single-season points record with 77 points following a 2-0 victory over Cincinnati, surpassing the previous record of 74 set by Miami in 2024. Third-place New England remained on 58 points after losing 1-0 at Orlando.

How it is being reported

• Messi becomes first player to win back-to-back MLS Golden Boot awardsThe Argentinian scored 26 goals in regular season, topping the charts and leading Inter Miami to the MLS Cup playoffs.Al Jazeera · 8 Nov, 10:50
• Messi makes history with MLS Golden BootInter Miami forward Lionel Messi becomes the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons.BBC Sport · 8 Nov, 07:23
• Messi claims second straight Golden Boot as Nashville sets points record on MLS Decision DayMessi first to win consecutive MLS Golden Boots Inter Miami surrender 3-0 lead in dramatic draw Nashville set new league record with 77 points Lionel Messi won his second consecutive MLS Golden Boot award on Saturday, but Inter Miami squandered a three-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte on the final day of the regular season. 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 and home-field advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs. Continue reading...Guardian Football · 8 Nov, 03:31

In this story: Lionel Messi · Inter Miami · Petar Musa · FC Dallas · Charlotte · Nashville · MLS

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