​Golden Boot: Lionel Messi takes lead over Petar MusaBy MLSsoccer staffAs the 2026 MLS regular season enters the stretch drive, let’s check in on the Golden Boot presented by Audi race.Note: The first Golden Boot tiebreaker is assists, followed by fewest minutes played.1. Leo MessiForward · Inter Miami CFGoals: 18Assists: 10Minutes played: 1,6402. Petar MusaForward · FC DallasGoals: 16Assists: 3Minutes played: 1,5183. Nicolas FernandezMidfielder · New York City Football ClubGoals: 14Assists: 6Minutes played: 1,8644. EvanderMidfielder · FC CincinnatiGoals: 13Assists: 11Minutes played: 1,7385. Prince OwusuForward · CF MontréalGoals: 13Assists: 5Minutes played: 1,7106. Brian WhiteForward · Vancouver Whitecaps FCGoals: 13Assists: 2Minutes played: 1,6007. Sam SurridgeForward · Nashville SCGoals: 13Assists: 1Minutes played: 1,1788. GuilhermeMidfielder · Houston Dynamo FCGoals: 12Assists: 7Minutes played: 1,7669. Tai BariboForward · D.C. UnitedGoals: 12Assists: 0Minutes played: 1,37410. Pep BielMidfielder · Charlotte FCGoals: 11Assists: 9Minutes played: 1,922On the bubbleLuis Suárez, Inter Miami CF – 11g/8aDenis Bouanga, LAFC – 11g/7aMilan Iloski, Philadelphia Union – 11g/6aMarcus Ingvartsen, San Diego FC – 11g/5aKévin Denkey, FC Cincinnati – 11g/4a