Argentina forward Lionel Messi has reached a major milestone by scoring his 900th career goal, becoming only the second player in men’s football to achieve the feat after Cristiano Ronaldo. The landmark goal came during Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw with Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The achievement places Messi among the highest scorers in football history, with only Ronaldo ahead, who has scored 965 goals. The milestone underscores Messi’s long-standing impact at both club and international levels.
Milestone moment for Messi
The 38-year-old scored his 900th goal with a left-footed strike, marking 21 years since his first senior goal for Barcelona in 2005. Messi reached the milestone in 1,142 appearances for club and country.
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Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano described the achievement as exceptional, noting the consistency and longevity required to reach such a figure.
Career breakdown of goals
A significant portion of Messi’s goals came during his time at Barcelona, where he scored 672 goals. He added 32 goals at Paris Saint-Germain and 81 for Inter Miami, along with 115 goals for Argentina.
Messi’s record also includes 175 goals in knockout matches, including 35 in finals, highlighting his impact in decisive games.
Comparison with Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in men’s football with 965 goals, having reached the 900-goal mark in 2024. Messi achieved the same milestone in nearly 100 fewer matches.
In the UEFA Champions League, Messi has scored 129 goals, second only to Ronaldo’s 140.
Match context
Despite the milestone, Inter Miami’s match ended in disappointment as the team exited the Concacaf Champions Cup on away goals after a 1-1 draw, following a goalless first leg.
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