(DDM) — Football icon Lionel Messi moved within touching distance of another historic milestone after scoring his 899th career goal in Major League Soccer as Inter Miami CF defeated D.C. United 2–1.
The Argentine superstar delivered a composed chipped finish during the first half of the match played at M&T Bank Stadium, helping Miami secure their second victory of the MLS season.
The goal pushed Messi’s overall career tally to 899, leaving him just one strike away from the historic 900-goal milestone, a landmark achieved by only a few players in football history.
Messi’s latest contribution came in the 27th minute after receiving a well-timed through ball from teammate Mateo Silvetti. With calm precision, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to double Miami’s advantage.
Earlier in the match, Miami had taken the lead in the 17th minute through a superb curling strike from Messi’s Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who fired a shot from outside the penalty area into the net.
The victory further strengthened Inter Miami’s early-season momentum in the Eastern Conference standings, pushing the reigning MLS champions into third place with six points from three matches.
Messi’s latest goal continues an impressive start to the campaign for the 38-year-old forward, who also scored twice in Miami’s Florida derby win against Orlando the previous week.
Despite approaching the twilight of his career, Messi remains one of football’s most influential attacking players, continuing to deliver match-winning performances for his club.
Over the course of his legendary career, the Argentine captain has accumulated goals across multiple competitions and teams.
He scored 672 goals during his remarkable spell with FC Barcelona, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in football history. After leaving Barcelona, Messi added 32 goals while playing for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.
At the international level, Messi has also been prolific, scoring 115 goals for Argentina national football team while leading the country to major tournament success, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa América titles.
Saturday’s match also saw a late push from D.C. United, who reduced the deficit in the 75th minute when Israeli forward Tai Baribo scored to give the home side hope of a comeback.
However, Inter Miami managed to maintain their defensive composure during the closing stages of the game to secure all three points.
The result continues Miami’s strong start to the MLS campaign as the team aims to defend its league title.
For Messi, attention will now shift to his next appearance, where the football legend could reach the remarkable 900-goal career milestone, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players. ⚽
