Lionel Messi is closing in on a second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) golden boot after helping Inter Miami beat New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday.

The Argentine forward took his league tally to 26 goals after scoring the winning goal in the 83rd minute, putting him four goals ahead of closest challenger Petar Musa of FC Dallas.

Messi claimed his maiden Golden Boot last season after scoring 29 goals in 28 appearances.

The 39-year-old is now on course to become the first player to win consecutive MLS Golden Boot awards since the competition adopted its current goals-based format in 2005.

With only one regular-season fixture remaining, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has a strong opportunity to extend his advantage and make further history in the competition.