Lionel Messi achieved a historic milestone on Wednesday, scoring his 900th career goal and becoming only the second male footballer to reach this mark after Cristiano Ronaldo.
Milestone Goal in Concacaf Champions Cup
The 38-year-old Argentine World Cup winner reached the landmark with a precise left-footed strike during Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. This achievement comes 21 years after Messi scored his first senior goal for Barcelona at the age of 17 in 2005.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona, described the tally as “insane.” He said:
“I’ve been lucky enough to see most, or many, of the goals he’s scored, much closer than everyone else, and that’s a privilege. The number we’re talking about is incredible, and that’s why Leo is truly one of a kind.”
Comparing Messi and Ronaldo
Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, reached 900 goals in his 1,142nd appearance for club and country—almost 100 matches fewer than Ronaldo, who reached the milestone in 1,236 games in September 2024. Ronaldo, now with 965 goals, has set his sights on reaching the 1,000-goal mark before retiring.
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Career Breakdown
The bulk of Messi’s goals came during his legendary spell at Barcelona, where he scored 672 times. He added 32 goals at Paris Saint-Germain, 81 for Inter Miami, and 115 for Argentina, with whom he won the 2022 World Cup.
Messi has proven crucial in high-pressure situations, with 175 of his goals coming in knockout matches, including 35 in finals. His 129 goals in Europe’s Champions League place him second only to Ronaldo’s 140.
A Bittersweet Night for Miami
Messi’s milestone goal came on a bittersweet evening for Inter Miami, as the team exited the Concacaf Champions Cup on away goals after their first-leg tie ended 0-0. Despite the disappointment for the club, Messi’s individual achievement marks another remarkable chapter in the career of one of football’s greatest players.
