Inter Miami's Lionel Messi wins 2026 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi has won the 2026 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi, netting 26 goals to become the league's top scorer for the second consecutive season.

Messi also provided 17 assists to tally a league-best 43 goal contributions this year.

The Argentine legend bested FC Dallas striker Petar Musa (22 goals) and Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge (21 goals) in the Golden Boot race.

Historic season

Messi is the first player in MLS history to win back-to-back Golden Boot awards. He is the sixth player to win the honor twice, joining Bradley Wright-Phillips (2014, '16), Chris Wondolowski (2010, '12), Jeff Cunningham (2006, '09), Taylor Twellman (2002, '05) and Preki (1997, 2003)

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner tallied 29 goals and 19 assists en route to his Golden Boot award in 2025.

After securing the Golden Boot, Messi could soon become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner. He was named MVP in 2024 as Miami claimed the Supporters' Shield title, and also in 2025 as they won MLS Cup presented by Audi.

Messi and Miami finished the regular season as the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed heading into the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. They'll face No. 7 Columbus Crew in a Round One Best-of-3 Series.

Not a repeat. A reminder. Back-to-back Golden Boot winner. Congratulations, Leo! 💫

🔗 https://t.co/OcmPzfZV17 pic.twitter.com/ZZW4p8FFe1
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 8, 2026

Messi is part of an exclusive list of players who have earned Golden Boot honors since the league's inaugural season in 1996.

From 1996 to 2004, the MLS Golden Boot was awarded under a points-based system that gave two points for a goal and one for an assist, before switching to outright goals.

Below is the full list of winners.

MLS Golden Boot winners 2005-2026 (outright goals)

2026: Lionel Messi, Miami - 26 goals
2025: Lionel Messi, Miami - 29 goals
2024: Christian Benteke, D.C. - 23 goals
2023: Denis Bouanga, LAFC - 20 goals
2022: Hany Mukhtar, Nashville - 23 goals
2021: Taty Castellanos, NYCFC - 19 goals
2020: Diego Rossi, LAFC - 14 goals
2019: Carlos Vela, LAFC - 34 goals
2018: Josef Martínez, Atlanta - 31 goals
2017: Nemanja Nikolić, Chicago - 24 goals
2016: Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York - 24 goals
2015: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto - 22 goals
2014: Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York - 27 goals
2013: Camilo Sanvezzo, Vancouver - 22 goals
2012: Chris Wondolowski, San Jose - 27 goals
2011: Dwayne De Rosario, D.C. - 16 goals
2010: Chris Wondolowski, San Jose - 18 goals
2009: Jeff Cunningham, Dallas - 17 goals
2008: Landon Donovan, LA - 20 goals
2007: Luciano Emilio, D.C. - 20 goals
2006: Jeff Cunningham, Salt Lake - 16 goals
2005: Taylor Twellman, New England - 17 goals

MLS Golden Boot winners 1996-2004 (points-based system)

2004: Amado Guevara, Pat Noonan; MetroStars, New England - 30 points
2003: Preki, Kansas City - 41 points
2002: Taylor Twellman, New England - 52 points
2001: Alex Pineda Chacón, Miami - 47 points
2000: Mamadou Diallo, Tampa Bay - 56 points
1999: Jason Kreis, Dallas- 51 points
1998: Stern John, Columbus - 57 points
1997: Preki, Kansas City - 41 points
1996: Roy Lassiter, Tampa Bay- 58 points

Historic season

MLS Golden Boot winners 2005-2026 (outright goals)

MLS Golden Boot winners 1996-2004 (points-based system)

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