Messi makes history with MLS Golden Boot

What the report says

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has set another Major League Soccer milestone by becoming the first player in league history to win the Golden Boot in back-to-back seasons, according to BBC Sport Football. The Argentine star scored 26 goals in 31 appearances, finishing four ahead of FC Dallas striker Peter Musa and five clear of Nashville forward Sam Surridge.

BBC Sport also noted that Messi is only the sixth player to win the MLS scoring award more than once. Alongside his goals, he recorded 17 assists, giving him 43 goal contributions for the season — the league’s best total for a second straight year. The report places the achievement in the context of Messi’s wider MLS impact since joining Inter Miami, where he has already collected major team and individual honors.

The article says Messi is also chasing a possible third Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, which would be another first in league history. Inter Miami’s season, however, has not been without setbacks: despite Messi’s production, the team finished behind Nashville in the Eastern Conference standings.

Inter Miami are set to begin the MLS Cup play-offs against Columbus Crew in a best-of-three first-round series later this month. The result underscores Messi’s continued influence on the league as he extends a remarkable late-career run in the United States.