FORT LAUDERDALE, United States — March 19, 2026 —
Lionel Messi has added another landmark to his extraordinary career, scoring his 900th official goal during Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup Round‑of‑16 second‑leg match against Nashville SC. The goal came just seven minutes into the match, continuing a scoring run that has spanned more than two decades across club and international football.
A Milestone Years in the Making
Messi, 38, reached the 900‑goal mark in 1,142 official matches, becoming only the second player ever to do so after Cristiano Ronaldo. His tally includes goals for Barcelona, Paris Saint‑Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team.
- Barcelona: 672 goals in 778 matches
- Paris Saint‑Germain: 32 goals in 75 matches
- Inter Miami: 81 goals in 92 appearances
- Argentina: 115 goals in 196 caps
His scoring journey began in May 2005, when he netted his first senior goal for Barcelona against Albacete. Since then, he has collected 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and a World Cup, while becoming one of the sport’s most decorated players.
How Messi Scores His Goals
Data from Opta shows the breadth of Messi’s finishing ability:
- Left foot: 755 goals
- Right foot: 111 goals
- Headers: 30
- Other: 4
- Inside the box: 724 goals
- Outside the box: 176
- Free‑kicks: 70
- Penalties: 112
He has also scored more goals against certain opponents than any others, including Sevilla (25), Athletic Club (24), and Atletico Madrid (23).
A Rivalry That Continues to Define an Era
Messi’s milestone inevitably renews comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, who reached 900 goals in 2024 and currently leads the all‑time list with 965 career goals. Ronaldo achieved the mark in 1,236 matches, making Messi the faster of the two to reach the milestone.
Despite the rivalry, both players now stand alone in football history as the only men to surpass 900 official goals.
What Comes Next?
With Messi still performing at a high level for Inter Miami and showing no signs of slowing down, attention now turns to whether he can challenge Ronaldo’s total — and perhaps even reach the once‑unthinkable 1,000‑goal milestone. Analysts note that his form in MLS, combined with his continued involvement with Argentina, keeps the possibility open.
Messi’s 900th goal is not just a personal achievement; it is another reminder of his enduring influence on world football. As he continues to add to his tally, the sport watches closely — aware that milestones once thought unreachable are now within sight for one of the game’s greatest ever players.