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Lionel Messi reaches 900 career goals in historic milestone

Lionel Messi

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.

Football icon Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement plans

Football icon Lionel

Buenos Aires: Global football icon Lionel Messi, who enjoys immense popularity across the world, has shared his thoughts on life after retirement, offering fans a glimpse into his future ambitions beyond the pitch.

According to international media reports, Messi said that after retiring from professional football, he would prefer to become a football club owner rather than pursue a coaching career. He clarified that he does not see himself in the role of a coach, but is more interested in club management and contributing to the long-term development of a team.

In an interview, Messi stated that if given multiple options, he would choose to become a club owner. He expressed a desire to establish his own club, starting from the grassroots level, with a focus on nurturing young talent and gradually building a strong and competitive football institution.

It is worth noting that in October, Messi extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami for three years, keeping him with the club until the 2028 season. The deal also includes an option for minority ownership in Inter Miami in the future.

Messi is already a co-owner of Uruguayan fourth-division club Deportivo LSM, which he founded in collaboration with his close friend and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. Established in 2018, the club reportedly has more than 3,000 registered members.

On the field, Messi continues to deliver exceptional performances. In the current season, he won the MLS Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists. His total goal contributions stood at 48, just one short of the league record, further cementing his status as one of the greatest athletes of the century.

Anant Ambani gifts rare watch football star Lionel Messi

Anant Ambani

Football superstar Lionel Messi has received a rare luxury watch worth approximately $1.3 million (around Rs 364 million) as a gift from Indian billionaire Anant Ambani during his visit to India.

According to British media reports, the exclusive timepiece was presented to Messi by Anant Ambani while the Argentine star was touring the country. The watch is considered extremely rare, with only 12 pieces produced worldwide.

Media reports said the luxury watch features a black carbon fibre case and a skeleton dial that reveals its intricate internal mechanism.

 Images of Messi wearing the high-end watch have since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from fans around the world.

Messi’s India visit has remained a major talking point, with fans closely following his public appearances and interactions during the tour.

Sachin Tendulkar presents No. 10 jersey to Lionel Messi

Sachin Tendulkar

Mumbai: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and global football icon Lionel Messi met at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, where the two sporting greats shared warm exchanges and gifts in a memorable moment for fans.

During the meeting at the famous cricket venue, Tendulkar presented Messi with his cricket jersey, while the Argentine World Cup winner gifted Tendulkar a football signed from his World Cup triumph. Both legends extended best wishes to each other, celebrating mutual respect across sports.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Wankhede Stadium, Sachin Tendulkar said he had experienced some incredible moments at the venue, recalling historic memories, including India’s 2011 World Cup victory on the same ground.

Commenting on Messi, Tendulkar said that discussing the footballer’s greatness required no special platform.

“Everyone knows what people say about him,” Tendulkar remarked. “Messi has achieved everything. We are all truly inspired by his dedication, determination, and commitment.”

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A post shared by Sachin Tendulkar (@sachintendulkar)

The meeting of two of the greatest athletes in sporting history was widely praised by fans, symbolising the unifying power of sport beyond boundaries and disciplines.

Lionel Messi secures second consecutive MLS MVP title

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons.

The Inter Miami superstar played a pivotal role in his team’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, registering two assists to help the club secure its first MLS Cup. Messi also claimed the MLS Golden Boot, finishing the 2025 regular season with 29 goals.

Across 28 matches in 2025, the 38-year-old contributed to 48 goals, combining goals and assists—the second-highest total for a single season. Messi recorded at least three goal contributions in nine different matches, setting another MLS record.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the first MLS player to achieve 10 multi-goal games in a single season, surpassing the previous record of eight held by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Additionally, Messi scored in five consecutive matches from May 28 to July 12, marking the first time an MLS player recorded a multi-goal streak longer than four games and netting 10 goals during that period.

Messi recently extended his Inter Miami contract through the end of the 2028 season. He has been named in two MLS Best XI selections and won over 70% of the MVP vote, far ahead of runner-up San Diego winger Anders Dreyer, who received just over 11%.

The MLS MVP award, presented since 1996, is voted on by club technical staff, media, and current players.

The Argentine legend adds this accolade to a glittering career that includes the 2022 World Cup, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, two World Cup Golden Balls, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, six European Golden Shoes, eight Pichichi trophies, and 15 Argentine Footballer of the Year awards.

Messi has yet to confirm whether he will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.