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Lionel Messi has secured his second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot after finishing the regular season with 26 goals, while Nashville SC set a new points record with a 2-0 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday.
The Argentine forward claimed the scoring award despite failing to find the net in Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw against Charlotte on the final day of the regular season. He instead provided two assists from corner kicks to help Miami secure second place in the Eastern Conference and home advantage for the opening two rounds of the playoffs.
Messi’s 26 goals made him the first player to win the MLS Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. FC Dallas forward Petar Musa finished second with 22 goals after failing to score in his side’s 3-1 victory over Colorado.
Inter Miami appeared on course for victory after first-half goals from Ian Fray, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul gave the defending champions a 3-0 lead. However, Charlotte fought back through Liel Abada’s brace before Rodolfo Aloko scored a late equaliser in the 90th minute.
Messi struck the post during stoppage time as Miami pushed for a winner, while Aloko came close to completing Charlotte’s comeback with a powerful effort that hit the outside of the net.
The draw left Miami second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points, behind Nashville, who finished top with a record 77 points after beating Cincinnati 2-0. Nashville’s total surpassed the previous MLS record of 74 points set by Miami in 2024.
New England, who finished third with 58 points, missed the opportunity to move above Miami after losing 1-0 away to Orlando.
Messi’s side will begin their play-off campaign against Columbus, while Nashville will face the winner of the wild-card tie between Orlando and Cincinnati. Other Eastern Conference fixtures include New England against Philadelphia and Charlotte against Chicago.
In the Western Conference, Vancouver finished second overall after beating Montreal 2-0, securing home advantage in a possible meeting with Miami in a repeat of last year’s MLS Cup final.
Seattle also secured a play-off place with a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles FC. Albert Rusnak scored in the opening minute and assisted Sebastian Gomez’s goal before Eddie Segura pulled one back for LAFC in the 82nd minute.
Portland, Real Salt Lake and Seattle claimed the final three Western Conference play-off places after a dramatic final day. Portland defeated Austin 2-0, while Real Salt Lake beat LA Galaxy 2-1. Colorado’s defeat to Dallas also helped Real Salt Lake secure qualification.
Minnesota United defeated San Jose 3-1 but finished one point short of the final play-off position, alongside LA Galaxy.
