Lionel Messi beats Cristiano Ronaldo to fastest 900 goals, but Inter Miami CF crash out in cruel twist

Lionel Messi reached another historic milestone on Wednesday, scoring his 900th career goal early in Inter Miami CF’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Nashville SC. However, the landmark moment wasn’t enough to prevent Miami’s elimination, as Nashville advanced to the quarterfinals with a decisive second-half goal.

The reigning MLS MVP struck in the seventh minute, controlling the ball inside the box before firing a low left-footed shot into the far corner to give Miami an early lead in the crucial second leg.

With the goal, Messi reached 900 faster than long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who achieved the milestone at the age of 39 in 2024. Messi, who turns 39 in June, got there in nearly 100 fewer matches.

Of his 900 goals, 672 came in 778 appearances for FC Barcelona, 32 in 75 games for Paris Saint-Germain, and 81 in 93 matches for Inter Miami since joining in 2023. He has also scored 115 goals for Argentina national football team across 196 caps.

Despite Messi’s early strike, Miami failed to hold on. Nashville capitalised in the second half after a scramble in the penalty area, with Cristian Espinoza finishing calmly to seal the win.

The result sends Nashville into the quarterfinals, where they will face either Philadelphia Union or Club América.