Tennessee: Argentine soccer nice Lionel Messi grew to become solely the second participant in historical past to attain 900 objectives in top-level play when he scored in Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup match in opposition to Nashville SC.

Messi scored within the seventh-minute, marking his 900th objective total in his skilled profession at Geodis Park within the Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 second-leg tie in opposition to Nashville. Furthermore, the Argentine scored his eighth Concacaf Champions Cup objective and now has 10 direct objective contributions for Inter Miami CF (8 objectives, 2 assists). Since his debut within the competitors, solely Angel Sepúlveda (11) has extra objective involvements. The Miami captain joined long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in an illustrious group. Ronaldo, 41, reached 900 objectives after scoring for Portugal in opposition to Croatia in September 2024.

Messi and Ronaldo, who’ve received the Ballon d’Or a mixed 13 occasions, are the one gamers within the historical past of the boys’s sport to succeed in the 900-goal landmark.

The 38-year-old Argentine striker has additionally scored a plethora of objectives for FC Barcelona, Paris St‑Germain and Argentina throughout a glittering profession through which he has received the Ballon d’Or eight occasions. In 2012, he set the report for probably the most objectives in a calendar 12 months (91), with 79 for Barcelona and 12 with Argentina. He’s additionally the quickest participant to attain 100 Champions League objectives in simply 123 outings.

Regardless of Messi’s historic objective, Inter Miami bowed out of the Concacaf Champions Cup as the combination completed tied 1-1, however Nashville superior on the away objectives rule. With a goalless draw within the first leg, Nashville SC got here in with a slight benefit if it might rating an away objective.

Messi broke the impasse within the seventh minute, sending a left-footed shot previous Brian Schwake to position Inter Miami up 1-nil on combination. The guests obtained the equaliser within the 74th minute by means of the boots of Cristian Espinoza, who struck off a half-volley within the field to attain the objective that determined the collection. Espinoza was named the Superior Participant of the Match for his efficiency.

Nashville SC superior to the quarterfinals, setting a brand new greatest for the membership within the Concacaf Champions Cup. The MLS membership awaits the winner of the Membership America and Philadelphia Union collection.