The 39-year-old drew a blank in Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw with Charlotte FC on Saturday but his 26 goals over the campaign saw him finish four clear of Peter Musa and with five more than Englishman Sam Surridge in third.

The Argentina great also notched 17 assists to finish with a league-best 43 goal contributions for the season.

Messi becomes only the sixth player to win the MLS golden boot twice, adding his name to a list which includes former Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips and ex Everton and Portsmouth winger Preki.

Despite Messi’s exploits, Inter Miami had to settle for second in the MLS Eastern Conference behind Surridge’s Nashville SC.

Inter Miami will face Columbus Crew over three games in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, which they won last season as Messi claimed a second successive MLS MVP.