Lionel Messi continues to redefine longevity and achievement in football, reaching a remarkable milestone with his 900th career goal. The Argentinian icon scored for Inter Miami against Nashville SC in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 tie on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, though the goal wasn’t enough to prevent his team’s elimination from the tournament. This latest feat arrives as Messi, 38, also prepares to rejoin the Argentina national team for a friendly match against Guatemala, signaling his continued commitment to international competition.
The goal, a low shot in the seventh minute of the match, marked Messi’s 81st for Inter Miami since his arrival in Major League Soccer in 2023, according to reports from the match. The Associated Press reported that despite Messi’s historic goal, Nashville advanced on the away-goals rule after a 1-1 draw.
Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has consistently broken records and captivated fans worldwide. Prior to joining Inter Miami, he amassed 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for the Argentina national team. His 900th goal came 21 years after his first professional goal for Barcelona in a 2-0 win against Albacete in 2005, a testament to his sustained excellence over two decades.
Messi’s Return to the National Team
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has included Messi in the squad for a friendly match against Guatemala scheduled for March 31 in Buenos Aires. This match replaces a previously planned game against Spain that was canceled due to ongoing conflict, ESPN reported. The call-up suggests that Messi remains a key figure in Scaloni’s plans, potentially extending his international career through the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Messi himself acknowledged the possibility of participating in the 2026 World Cup, though he admitted in September 2025 that it would be a challenge. His continued presence in the national team, coupled with his recent form for Inter Miami, indicates a strong desire to compete at the highest level. The prospect of a showdown between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – who is also expected to feature in the tournament – has ignited excitement among football fans globally, potentially renewing a rivalry that has defined the sport for the past two decades.
Ronaldo, 41 in June, is actively pursuing his own milestone, nearing his 1,000th career goal. The potential for both legends to compete on the same stage at the North American World Cup adds another layer of intrigue to the event.
Scaloni’s squad list also revealed the absence of Lautaro Martinez, who will remain with Inter Milan to recover from an injury. Tomas Palacios, currently on loan at Estudiantes, will join the Nerazzurri in the squad. Players from Como, Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone, will also represent Serie A. Atletico Madrid provides the largest contingent of players to the Argentina national team, with six players selected for the upcoming match.
The full list of players called up by Scaloni includes goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), and Geronimo Rulli (Marseille); defenders Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Tomas Palacios (Estudiantes), Nahuel Molina (Atletico), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Gabriel Rojas (Racing Club), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Marcos Senes (Bournemouth), and Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon); midfielders Thiago Almada (Atletico), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Nico Paz (Como), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), and Maximo Perrone (Como); and forwards Julian Alvarez (Atletico), Nico Gonzalez (Atletico), Jose Lopez (Palmeiras), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), and Giuliano Simeone (Atletico).
A Historic Rivalry Continues
The enduring rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo remains a captivating narrative in the world of football. Both players have consistently pushed each other to greater heights, setting unprecedented standards of performance. The possibility of a final chapter in this rivalry at the 2026 World Cup is a compelling prospect for fans worldwide.
While Inter Miami’s Champions Cup journey has ended, Messi’s focus now shifts back to the national team and the pursuit of further accolades. His commitment to Argentina, combined with his continued goal-scoring prowess, ensures that he will remain a central figure in the world of football for the foreseeable future.
The Argentina national team will continue preparations for the friendly against Guatemala, with the match serving as a valuable opportunity to assess players and refine tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they look to build on their recent successes and compete for the ultimate prize in international football.
Fans eager to follow Messi’s journey with Inter Miami and the Argentina national team can locate the latest updates and schedules on the official MLS and AFA websites, respectively. The upcoming months promise to be filled with exciting developments as Messi continues to write his legacy in the annals of football history.
