Lionel Messi closing in on 900th career goal

Argentine star's remarkable tally for club and country nears historic milestone

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:05pm

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Lionel Messi is just one goal away from reaching 900 career goals for club and country, a remarkable achievement that only one other player in football history has verifiably reached. The 38-year-old Argentine legend has scored the vast majority of his goals while playing for Barcelona, but has added significantly to his tally since leaving the Catalan club, including 112 goals with PSG and Inter Miami. Messi has also scored 115 goals for the Argentina national team, the second-most goals of any male player in international football history.

Why it matters

Messi's impending 900th goal is a testament to his longevity and consistency as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport. Reaching this milestone would cement his legacy as one of the most prolific goal scorers in football history, further solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.

The details

Messi could reach the 900-goal mark in Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville SC on March 11. If he fails to score there, he could pick up his 900th goal either in their weekend meeting at Charlotte FC, or in the return leg against Nashville SC at home the following Wednesday. Messi has scored the vast majority of his goals while playing for Barcelona (672), but has also netted 115 goals for Argentina, 80 for Inter Miami, and 32 for Paris Saint-Germain.

  • Messi could reach the 900-goal milestone in Inter Miami's match against Nashville SC on March 11.
  • If he doesn't score in that match, he could reach the mark in their weekend meeting at Charlotte FC or in the return leg against Nashville SC on March 15.

The players

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward. Considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, Messi has had an illustrious and decorated career, winning numerous trophies and individual awards.

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What’s next

If Messi wishes to reach 1,000 career goals, he would likely need to play another 3-4 full seasons, which feels unlikely given he is now 38 years old and believed to be nearing the conclusion of at least his international career, if not considering full retirement.

The takeaway

Lionel Messi's impending 900th career goal is a remarkable milestone that cements his status as one of the greatest players in football history. His longevity, consistency, and prolific goal-scoring ability over the course of his illustrious career are a testament to his unparalleled talent and legacy in the sport.