Lionel Messi makes history with back-to-back MLS Golden Boot awards

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has set a new record in Major League Soccer by becoming the first player to secure the Golden Boot award in two consecutive seasons. The Inter Miami captain finished the campaign with 26 goals, leading Peter Musa by four and Sam Surridge by five. With 17 assists added to his tally, Messi reached a total of 43 goal contributions this season. Having netted 29 goals in the previous year, he also stands as only the second player in the league's history to score at least 25 goals in back-to-back seasons. Inter Miami concluded the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference, with the playoff stage set to begin on November 19.