Messi Nears 900th Goal as Inter Miami Beats D.C. United

Lionel Messi scores 899th career goal in Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over D.C. United in Baltimore.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Lionel Messi continued his impressive scoring run, netting his 899th career goal in Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Saturday. The match, played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, drew a crowd of 72,026 as Inter Miami leveraged Messi's star power to expand the team's fanbase beyond Florida.

Why it matters

Messi's pursuit of the 900-goal milestone has captivated soccer fans worldwide, and this victory demonstrates Inter Miami's ability to compete at the highest level while also growing the team's reach through strategic venue selection.

The details

Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 17th minute, but D.C. United's Tai Baribo equalized in the 75th minute. Messi's goal, assisted by Mateo Silvetti, proved to be the difference as Inter Miami secured the win. The decision to host the game in Baltimore, rather than at D.C. United's home venue, highlights Inter Miami's efforts to expand the team's fanbase beyond its traditional Florida market.

  • The match was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Messi scored his 899th career goal in the match.
  • Inter Miami's next match is against Nashville in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday.

The players

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine forward, who is just one goal away from reaching 900 career goals.

Javier Mascherano

The head coach of Inter Miami, who emphasized the team's commitment to competing for every title available this season.

Dayne St. Clair

The Inter Miami goalkeeper, who noted the significant away support for the team, suggesting a shift in fan dynamics.

Rodrigo De Paul

The Inter Miami midfielder who scored the opening goal in the match.

Tai Baribo

The D.C. United player who scored the equalizing goal in the 75th minute.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this momentum and compete for every title available to us this season.”

— Javier Mascherano, Head Coach, Inter Miami

“The away support we received today was incredible. It shows how Messi's presence is expanding our fanbase beyond Florida.”

— Dayne St. Clair, Goalkeeper, Inter Miami

What’s next

Messi will have the opportunity to score his 900th career goal when Inter Miami faces Nashville in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Messi's pursuit of the 900-goal milestone and Inter Miami's strategic expansion beyond their traditional Florida market have captivated soccer fans across the country, setting the stage for continued growth and success for the team.