LAFC talisman Denis Bouanga entered the MLS record books during Matchday 35, earning him MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra honors.
Bouanga notched a hat trick for the second time in three games, powering a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake and equaling Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi with 22 goals atop the Golden Boot presented by Audi race.
The Gabon international also became the first player in MLS history to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. He is the second player in league history to score at least 20 goals in three different seasons, following Bradley Wright-Phillips (2014, '16, '18).
With his latest star showing, Bouanga became the eighth player in league history to record two hat tricks in a three-game span. He is the first