Fort Lauderdale, FL – Lionel Messi reached a monumental milestone on Wednesday, scoring his 900th career goal, but the celebration was tempered by Inter Miami’s elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Nashville SC secured a 1-1 draw at Chase Stadium, advancing on away goals and ending Miami’s hopes in the regional tournament. The match likewise marked a poignant farewell to Inter Miami’s current home, as the club prepares to move into a new, purpose-built stadium next month.
Messi’s historic goal came in the 7th minute, briefly putting Inter Miami ahead in the second leg of the round of 16 tie. Though, Cristian Espinoza’s equalizer in the 74th minute proved decisive, sending Nashville through to the quarter-finals. The aggregate score remained 1-1, with Nashville benefiting from the away goals rule after a scoreless first leg in Tennessee. This outcome underscores the competitive nature of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the challenges facing MLS teams against their counterparts from across the region.
El gol número 900 en la carrera de Leo Messi. En @MLSes pic.twitter.com/sZQ9bRaz3W
— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) March 18, 2026
The goal was Messi’s 81st for Inter Miami since joining the club in 2023, adding to an already staggering career total. Throughout his illustrious career, the Argentine superstar has consistently redefined the boundaries of footballing excellence. Prior to his move to Florida, Messi found the back of the net 672 times for Barcelona, 32 times for Paris Saint-Germain, and a further 115 times representing Argentina on the international stage. The Associated Press reported that this milestone came 21 years after his first senior goal for Barcelona in 2005.
A Historic Goal Tally
While Messi’s achievement is remarkable, he remains behind his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently boasts 965 career goals. The competition between the two footballing icons has captivated fans for over a decade, pushing both players to unprecedented levels of performance. The pursuit of goalscoring records has turn into a defining aspect of their careers, with each milestone adding to their legendary status.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi at both Barcelona and Argentina, lauded the achievement as “insane.” “I’ve been lucky enough to witness most, or many, of the goals he’s scored, much closer than you all, and that’s a privilege,” Mascherano said, highlighting the unique perspective of having witnessed Messi’s brilliance firsthand.
Farewell to Chase Stadium
Wednesday’s match held added significance for Inter Miami as it marked the final game played at Chase Stadium. The venue has been the club’s home since its inception in Major League Soccer in 2020. Next month, the team will transition to a new, 26,700-seat facility, signaling a new chapter in the club’s history. The move reflects the growing popularity of Inter Miami and the club’s ambition to establish itself as a major force in North American soccer.
Looking Ahead
Despite the Champions Cup setback, Messi is expected to feature prominently in Argentina’s campaign to defend their title at the expanded 48-team World Cup later this year, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Guardian noted that Messi has already extended his contract with Inter Miami through the complete of the 2028 season, indicating his continued commitment to the club and the MLS.
Throughout his career, Messi has maintained an exceptional scoring rate. At Barcelona, he averaged 0.86 goals per game, contributing to 35 trophies won by the club. His impact in France with Paris Saint-Germain, while shorter, yielded 32 goals in 75 matches and three trophies. In Miami, he has continued to impress, scoring 81 goals in 96 appearances and leading the team to victory in the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2025 MLS Cup.
While debates continue regarding the all-time goalscoring record – with some attributing over 1,000 goals to Brazilian legend Pelé – most statisticians recognize Messi’s tally as second only to Cristiano Ronaldo. The ongoing pursuit of goalscoring records serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these two extraordinary players.
Inter Miami will now refocus its attention on the MLS season, aiming to build on its recent successes and compete for further honors. The club’s move to its new stadium is expected to provide a significant boost, creating a more modern and fan-friendly environment. The team’s next confirmed match is scheduled for March 26th against Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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