Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal in the opening minutes of Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match against Nashville on Wednesday night. Messi, a back-to-back MLS MVP, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and World Cup champion, reached the milestone with a left-footed strike, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other men’s player to score 900 or more goals.
Why it matters
Messi’s 900th goal is a historic achievement that cements his status as one of the greatest players of all time. The milestone comes as Messi continues to dominate in MLS after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, further solidifying his legacy.
The details
Messi took a pass in the middle of the box in the seventh minute, controlled the ball, spun and lined a low shot through a maze of defenders and into the far corner of the net to score his 900th career goal. It took Ronaldo about 100 more matches to reach the 900-goal milestone, which he achieved in September 2024 at the age of 39. Messi doesn’t turn 39 until June.
Messi scored his 900th goal in the 7th minute of Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match on March 19, 2026.Ronaldo reached 900 career goals in September 2024 at the age of 39.
The players
An Argentine professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. Messi is considered one of the greatest players of all time, having won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.
A Portuguese professional soccer player who plays as a forward. Ronaldo is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the sport, having scored over 800 career goals, and is the only other men’s player besides Messi to reach the 900-goal milestone.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“900 goals, congratulations to him. He’s the best.”
— B.J. Callaghan, Nashville coach
“What an unbelievable feat!”
— Magic Johnson
What’s next
Messi and Inter Miami will look to bounce back from their CONCACAF Champions Cup elimination when they return to MLS play. Messi is also expected to represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The takeaway
Lionel Messi’s 900th career goal is a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His continued dominance in MLS and on the international stage with Argentina has cemented his legacy as a true icon of the sport.