At 39, Lionel Messi is still setting the standard in MLS.
The Inter Miami forward finished the regular season with 26 goals to win the Golden Boot for the second year in a row, comfortably ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa on 22. Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge scored 21, and Vancouver Whitecaps forward Brian White added 20.
Goals and Assists in Bulk
The Messi Golden Boot campaign came across 31 appearances and included six multi-goal games, highlighted by a four-goal haul in August during a 7-1 rout of CF Montréal. He also recorded 17 assists, tied with FC Cincinnati’s Evander for second in the league.
His output powered the league’s most dangerous attack, as Miami led MLS with 80 goals.
Title Defense Begins Against Columbus
Miami closed the regular season with a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC on Decision Day, finishing second in the Eastern Conference. The defending MLS Cup champions open the playoffs against the Columbus Crew.
The road will not be easy. Nashville claimed the Supporters’ Shield with a record 77 points, losing only three times and conceding a league-low 25 goals. In the West, the Vancouver Whitecaps, beaten by Miami in last year’s final, enter as the top seed.
Messi, the league MVP in 2024 and 2025, is also chasing a third straight award, though breakout seasons from White and Surridge give him more competition this time.
Days after Cristiano Ronaldo ended his own international career, the Messi Golden Boot is a reminder that his longtime rival is still producing at an elite level.
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