Lionel Messi Achieves 900 Goals, But Inter Miami Exits Concacaf Champions Cup
Synopsis
Lionel Messi has made history by scoring his 900th goal in professional football during a Concacaf Champions Cup match against Nashville SC. Despite this achievement, Inter Miami was eliminated from the tournament as Nashville advanced on away goals.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi has scored his 900th career goal.
He is the second player ever to achieve this milestone.
Inter Miami was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup .
Nashville SC advanced due to the away goals rule.
Cristian Espinoza was the standout player of the match.
Tennessee, March 19 (NationPress) The legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has made history by becoming just the second player ever to achieve 900 goals in top-tier football. This remarkable feat occurred during Inter Miami's Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville SC.
Messi found the back of the net in the seventh minute, marking his 900th career goal at Geodis Park in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 second-leg match against Nashville. Furthermore, this goal adds to his tally of eight Concacaf Champions Cup goals, bringing his total direct contributions for Inter Miami CF to 10 (8 goals, 2 assists). Since his inception in the tournament, only Angel Sepúlveda (11) has surpassed him in goal contributions.
The Miami captain now joins his long-time competitor Cristiano Ronaldo in this prestigious milestone. Ronaldo reached his own 900 goals mark after scoring for Portugal against Croatia in September 2024.
Messi and Ronaldo, both of whom have collectively claimed the Ballon d'Or 13 times, are the sole players in men's football history to cross the 900-goal threshold.
The 38-year-old forward has netted numerous goals throughout his illustrious career with FC Barcelona, Paris St-Germain, and the Argentina national team, winning the Ballon d'Or eight times. In 2012, he set a record for the most goals in a calendar year at 91, with 79 from Barcelona and 12 from Argentina. Additionally, he holds the record as the fastest player to score 100 Champions League goals, achieving this in just 123 matches.
Despite Messi's historic achievement, Inter Miami was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup, as the aggregate score ended in a 1-1 draw, with Nashville advancing due to the away goals rule. The first leg had concluded in a goalless stalemate, giving Nashville a slight edge if they were to score on the road.
Messi broke the deadlock early with a left-footed shot past Brian Schwake, putting Inter Miami ahead 1-0 on aggregate. However, Nashville equalized in the 74th minute with a half-volley from Cristian Espinoza, who was named the Superior Player of the Match for his decisive play.
Nashville SC's advancement to the quarterfinals marks a new milestone for the club in the Concacaf Champions Cup. They will now face the winner of the Club America and Philadelphia Union matchup.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight Lionel Messi's incredible achievement of scoring 900 goals, a testament to his skill and longevity in the sport. However, the exit of Inter Miami from the Concacaf Champions Cup underscores the competitive nature of football, reminding fans that even legends face challenges.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Messi scored in total?
Lionel Messi has scored a total of 900 goals in top-level football.
What clubs has Messi played for?
Messi has played for FC Barcelona, Paris St-Germain, and Inter Miami CF, as well as the Argentina national team.
What is the significance of the 900-goal milestone?
Messi is only the second player in history to reach 900 goals in professional football, joining Cristiano Ronaldo.
What happened in the Concacaf Champions Cup match?
Despite Messi's goal, Inter Miami was eliminated from the tournament after a 1-1 aggregate draw, with Nashville advancing on away goals.
Who was named the Superior Player of the Match?
Cristian Espinoza of Nashville SC was named the Superior Player of the Match for his performance.
