Messi reaches 900 goals, sets historic milestone

KATHMANDU: Lionel Messi has reached a remarkable milestone of 900 career goals, becoming only the second player in football history to achieve the feat.

The landmark goal came during Inter Miami CF’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC.

At 38, Messi joins Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score 900 goals in professional football.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has netted 81 goals in 92 appearances, playing a key role in the club’s triumphs in the Leagues Cup and MLS Cup.

Over his illustrious career, Messi scored 672 goals for FC Barcelona, 32 goals in 75 matches for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 goals in 196 appearances for Argentina national team.

Of his 900 goals, 755 were scored with his left foot, 111 with his right, 30 headers, and 4 through other methods. He has also converted 112 penalties and scored 70 free-kick goals.

Messi has enjoyed notable success against clubs like Sevilla FC (25 goals), Athletic Club (24), and Atlético Madrid (23).

His record of 91 goals in a single calendar year, set in 2012, remains unmatched. He also became the fastest player to reach 100 UEFA Champions League goals, achieving the milestone in just 123 matches.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi, calling him “extraordinary” and saying witnessing his goals up close is “a privilege.”