Messi Hits 900 Career Goals, Joins Ronaldo in Historic Milestone

Lionel Messi has reached another historic milestone, scoring the 900th goal of his career to become only the second player in elite men’s football to achieve the feat after Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 38-year-old Argentine forward netted the landmark goal with a left-footed strike during Inter Miami CF’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday.

Messi’s 900th goal comes 21 years after he scored his first senior goal for FC Barcelona as a 17-year-old in 2005, highlighting a remarkable career defined by consistency and excellence.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano described the achievement as extraordinary.

“I’ve been lucky enough to witness many of his goals up close, and that’s a privilege,” Mascherano said. “The number we’re talking about is insane. That’s why Leo is truly one of a kind.”

An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi reached the milestone in his 1,142nd appearance for club and country — nearly 100 matches fewer than Ronaldo, who hit the same mark in 1,236 games in September 2024.

Ronaldo, who now has 965 career goals, remains on course to become the first player to reach the 1,000-goal milestone before retirement.

The bulk of Messi’s goals were scored during his iconic spell at Barcelona, where he netted 672 times. He added 32 goals at Paris Saint-Germain, 81 for Inter Miami, and 115 for Argentina national team, with whom he won the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Known for delivering in crucial moments, Messi has scored 175 goals in knockout matches, including 35 in finals. His 129 goals in the UEFA Champions League rank second only to Ronaldo’s 140.

Despite the personal milestone, it was a bittersweet outing for Inter Miami, who were eliminated from the competition on away goals after the first leg ended goalless.