Messi wins 2nd straight MLS Golden Boot as Miami draws Charlotte 3-3
What's next: Inter Miami opens the playoffs against Columbus after finishing second in the East, 17 points behind record-setting Nashville.
Lionel Messi became the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot in back-to-back seasons after finishing the regular season with 26 goals, even as Inter Miami let a 3-0 lead slip in a 3-3 draw with Charlotte on Decision Day. Messi did not score but created Miami’s first two goals from corners before Ian Fray, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul put the hosts in command. Charlotte rallied through two goals from Liel Abada and a 90th-minute equalizer from Rodolfo Aloko. Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points and will face Columbus in the opening round of the playoffs. Nashville topped the East with a league-record 77 points.