Messi Takes Second Golden Boot as Nashville Sets MLS Points Record

Messi ended the season with 26 goals, becoming the first player to win the league’s scoring award in consecutive years. He did not score against Charlotte, but his corner kicks led to Miami’s opening two goals. The defending champions had a 3-0 lead before Charlotte rallied to earn a draw at Nu Stadium. Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points and will meet Columbus in the first playoff round.

Ian Fray, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul scored for Miami before Charlotte’s Liel Abada struck twice soon after halftime. Rodolfo Aloko leveled the match in the 90th minute. Nashville, meanwhile, beat Cincinnati 2-0 to reach 77 points, eclipsing Miami’s previous record of 74, set in 2024. New England lost 1-0 at Orlando and finished third, two points behind Miami.

In the West, Portland, Real Salt Lake and Seattle claimed the last three playoff spots. Portland won 2-0 at Austin, while Salt Lake beat the LA Galaxy 2-1, leaving the Galaxy out. Seattle secured its place with a 2-1 win over Los Angeles FC, with Albert Rusnak scoring early and setting up Sebastian Gomez before LAFC pulled one back.

Western Conference champion Vancouver beat Montreal 2-0 and finished second overall. The opening playoff pairings feature Portland facing Dallas, LAFC meeting St. Louis and Houston taking on San Jose. Seattle and Real Salt Lake will meet in a wild-card game, with the winner set to face Vancouver.