Lionel Messi scores 900th career goal, joining Ronaldo in elite club

Inter Miami star reaches milestone in CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:45am

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Lionel Messi has scored his 900th career goal, becoming only the second men's player to reach that milestone after Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion, scored the goal in the opening minutes of Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville on Wednesday night.

Why it matters

Messi's 900th goal cements his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He and Ronaldo have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, and this achievement further solidifies Messi's legacy as a true icon of the game.

The details

Messi scored the goal with his left foot, controlling a pass in the middle of the box, spinning, and firing a low shot past the defenders and into the net. It took Ronaldo about 100 more matches to reach 900 goals than it took Messi. Messi remains the most popular and most-followed player in the world, with his Inter Miami jersey being the best seller in MLS since he joined the club in 2023.

  • Messi scored the goal in the 7th minute of the match on March 19, 2026.
  • Ronaldo reached 900 career goals in September 2024 at the age of 39.

The players

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami in MLS. He is an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, a World Cup champion, and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward. He is the only other men's player to have scored more than 900 career goals.

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What they’re saying

“The reality is that Leo clears all doubts.”

— Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami coach

What’s next

Messi and Inter Miami will continue their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign, with the next round scheduled for March 26.

The takeaway

Lionel Messi's 900th career goal is a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His continued dominance and popularity in MLS further solidifies the league's growing global appeal.