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

Inter Miami star becomes second player to reach milestone in opening minutes of CONCACAF Champions Cup match

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:38am

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Lionel Messi has reached another historic milestone, scoring his 900th career goal in the opening minutes of Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match against Nashville on Wednesday night. Messi, the back-to-back MLS MVP, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and World Cup champion, is only the second men's player to reach the 900-goal mark, joining Cristiano Ronaldo.

Why it matters

Messi's 900th goal is a remarkable achievement that cements his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Reaching this milestone at just 39 years old is a testament to his longevity and unparalleled goal-scoring ability over his illustrious career with Barcelona and now Inter Miami.

The details

Messi scored the goal in the 7th minute, taking a pass in the middle of the box, controlling the ball, spinning, and firing a low shot past the Nashville defenders and into the far corner of the net. Ronaldo reached the 900-goal milestone in September 2024 at the age of 39, about 100 matches later than Messi.

  • Messi scored his 900th goal in the 7th minute of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match on March 19, 2026.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo reached 900 career goals in September 2024 at the age of 39.

The players

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF and the Argentina national team. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time, having won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese professional soccer player who plays as a forward. He is the only other men's player to have scored over 900 career goals, reaching the milestone in September 2024 at the age of 39.

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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 match scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The takeaway

Lionel Messi's 900th career goal is a remarkable milestone that solidifies his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other men's player to reach this elite club.