CricBengal.com | Sports Desk
Age appears to be no barrier for Lionel Messi. At 39, the Argentine superstar is closing in on another major milestone in his remarkable career, with the opportunity to become the first player to win consecutive MLS Golden Boot awards under the league’s goals-based system introduced in 2005.
Inter Miami secured a 2-1 comeback victory over the New England Revolution on Sunday, with Messi scoring a decisive late goal. The strike took his tally to 26 goals in the current MLS regular season, putting him four ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa in the Golden Boot race.
A Chance to Make MLS History
Since MLS introduced its goals-based Golden Boot system in 2005, no player has won the award in consecutive seasons. Messi now has an opportunity to change that record.
Several players have won the award more than once, but none have managed back-to-back triumphs under the current system. Chris Wondolowski claimed the honour in 2010 and 2012, while Bradley Wright-Phillips won it in 2014 and 2016.
Messi claimed his first MLS Golden Boot in 2025 after scoring 29 goals in 28 regular-season appearances. He also registered 19 assists during that campaign, becoming the first Inter Miami player to win the award.
Messi Delivers Against New England
Inter Miami had to come from behind after New England took the lead in the 53rd minute through a goal from Daniel Gazdag.
The hosts responded in the 69th minute. Messi played an important role in the attacking move involving Telasco Segovia, which ended with Germán Berterame heading home the equaliser.
Messi then produced the decisive moment in the 83rd minute. After moving past opposition defenders and entering the penalty area, he fired a powerful left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Matt Turner to complete the comeback.
The goal secured all three points for Inter Miami and strengthened Messi’s position at the top of the scoring chart.
Another Historic Achievement Within Reach
Messi has already made history in MLS by winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award in consecutive seasons in 2024 and 2025.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could now add another achievement to his collection by retaining the Golden Boot.
A second consecutive triumph would be particularly significant because no player has managed the feat since the award switched to a goals-based format in 2005.
One Regular-Season Match Remaining
Inter Miami have just one regular-season fixture left. They are scheduled to face Charlotte FC on November 7, giving Messi one final opportunity to add to his goal tally before the Golden Boot race concludes.
The MLS Golden Boot is decided by goals scored during the regular season. Play-off goals do not count towards the award. If players finish level on goals, assists are considered first, followed by minutes played.
With 26 goals, Messi currently holds a four-goal advantage over Petar Musa. He is therefore in a strong position as he approaches the final match of the regular season.
Source: Bangladesh Pratidin
Publisher: CricBengal.com
