Lionel Messi Reaches 900 Career Goals, Inter Miami Eliminated from Champions Cup

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi reached a monumental milestone on Wednesday night, scoring his 900th career goal in Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match against Nashville SC. Despite the historic achievement, Inter Miami was eliminated from the tournament, falling 1-1 on aggregate after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Messi’s Historic Goal

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion scored in the 7th minute with a signature left-footed shot. He received a pass in the middle of the box from Sergio Reguilón, controlled the ball, and fired a low shot through a maze of defenders and into the far corner of the net. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other men’s player with more than 900 goals – at least, by official counts.

Ronaldo vs. Messi: A Goal-Scoring Duel

While both Messi and Ronaldo are celebrated goal-scorers, Messi reached the 900-goal mark in fewer matches than Ronaldo. Ronaldo reached the milestone in September 2024 at 39 years old, while Messi achieved it before turning 39 in June 2026.

Nashville Advances, Spoils Messi’s Night

Nashville SC’s Cristian Espinoza scored in the 74th minute, securing a 1-1 draw and advancing to the Champions Cup quarterfinals due to the away-goals rule. Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan acknowledged Messi’s achievement, stating, “900 goals, congratulations to him. He’s the best.”

Messi’s Career Achievements

Messi’s 900 goals have been accumulated over his illustrious career, with 672 goals for FC Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 81 for Inter Miami. He also boasts 115 goals with the Argentine national team. Beyond goals, Messi has secured 47 trophies for club and country, including the 2022 World Cup and last season’s MLS title with Inter Miami.

What’s Next for Messi

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano reflected on Messi’s impact, stating, “Leo clears all doubts.” Messi is likely to feature for Argentina again this summer when the World Cup is held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. His No. 10 Inter Miami jersey remains the bestseller in MLS, and his every move continues to captivate the soccer world.