Lionel Messi reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, scoring the 900th goal of his remarkable career, but it was not enough to save Inter Miami CF from elimination in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The 38-year-old forward struck just seven minutes into the game to give Miami a 1-0 lead in their last-16 second-leg clash against Nashville SC.
However, Cristian Espinoza’s 74th-minute equaliser ensured a 1-1 aggregate scoreline, with Nashville progressing to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule.
Messi’s milestone goal marked a bittersweet moment for the club, as the match also served as Inter Miami’s final outing at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The goal brought Messi’s tally for Miami to 81 since joining the club in 2023. Over his illustrious career, he has scored 672 goals for FC Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for the Argentina national team.
His first senior goal came back in 2005 for Barcelona in a 2-0 win over Albacete, beginning a journey that has spanned more than two decades.
Despite the incredible feat, Messi still trails his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently boasts 965 career goals.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s achievement, describing the number as “insane” and calling the forward “one of a kind.”
The match also marked the end of an era for Miami, who will soon move into a new 26,700-seat stadium as they continue to build on recent successes, including their 2023 Leagues Cup and 2025 MLS Cup triumphs.
Looking ahead, Messi is expected to feature in his sixth FIFA World Cup later this year as Argentina defends its title.
What you should know
Lionel Messi’s 900th career goal further cements his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.
Despite Inter Miami’s elimination, the milestone highlights his consistency across clubs and international football over two decades. His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo remains a defining narrative, with both players setting extraordinary records.
Messi’s continued presence at the top level, including a likely appearance at the upcoming World Cup, shows his enduring influence on the game even at 38.
