Lionel Messi has become only the second player in elite men’s football history to score 900 career goals, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the exclusive club of football legends to reach the landmark.
The 38-year-old Argentine World Cup winner achieved the feat with a left-footed finish during Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The goal came 21 years after Messi netted his first senior goal for Barcelona as a 17-year-old in 2005.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano praised the achievement, calling Messi’s goal tally “insane” and highlighting the privilege of witnessing so many of his goals up close.
Messi reached the milestone in 1,142 appearances for club and country, nearly 100 fewer games than Cristiano Ronaldo, who reached 900 goals in 1,236 matches in September 2024. Ronaldo has since pushed his total to 965 goals and continues to aim for the 1,000-goal mark.
The majority of Messi’s goals came during his legendary spell at Barcelona, where he scored 672 times. He also netted 32 goals for Paris Saint-Germain and 81 for Inter Miami, along with 115 goals for Argentina, helping his country win the 2022 World Cup.
Known for delivering in big moments, 175 of Messi’s goals have come in knockout matches, including 35 in finals. In European competition, he has scored 129 UEFA Champions League goals, second only to Ronaldo’s 140.
Despite Messi’s historic achievement, it was a disappointing night for Inter Miami, who were eliminated from the competition on away goals after a 0-0 first-leg result.
