Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has been awarded the MLS Golden Boot for the second consecutive season. The Argentine forward concluded the regular season with 26 goals, securing the title despite a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC on the final match day.
During the game at Miami’s Nu Stadium, Messi did not score, but he contributed significantly by assisting the first two goals from corner kicks. These pivotal assists helped secure home-field advantage for Miami in the early rounds of the playoffs.
Messi’s achievement marks him as the first player to earn the MLS Golden Boot in successive seasons. Petar Musa of Dallas finished in second place with 22 goals but was unable to add to his tally in his team’s 3-1 victory over Colorado.
The match against Charlotte saw Inter Miami take a commanding lead early on, with Ian Fray, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul scoring before halftime. However, Charlotte responded strongly, with Liel Abada scoring two goals, the second of which equalized the match in the 90th minute.
In other league news, Nashville SC concluded the season with a record-breaking 77 points after defeating FC Cincinnati 2-0, solidifying their position at the top of the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami ended the season with 60 points, earning them second place.
As the playoffs approach, Inter Miami will face Columbus Crew in the first round, while other matchups include New England Revolution against Philadelphia, Charlotte FC against Chicago Fire, and Nashville SC against either Orlando or Cincinnati for the wild card.
