Lionel Messi scored his 899th career goal as Inter Miami defeated DC United 2-1 in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match on Saturday, moving the Argentine forward to within one goal of the historic 900-goal milestone.
Messi found the net in the 27th minute at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, producing a composed chipped finish to extend Miami’s lead during the Eastern Conference clash.
The goal marked Messi’s third of the MLS season and his 80th goal for Inter Miami, taking his overall career tally to 899.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 international goals for Argentina, making him one of football’s most prolific scorers.
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s Argentina teammate, curled a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area into the net.
Ten minutes later, Messi doubled Miami’s advantage after receiving a precise through ball from Mateo Silvetti, lifting a first-time finish over DC United goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
DC United attempted a comeback in the second half, with Israeli forward Tai Baribo scoring in the 75th minute to reduce the deficit.
However, Inter Miami held firm in the closing stages to secure the 2-1 victory, their second win of the Major League Soccer season.
The result moves the reigning MLS champions into third place in the Eastern Conference standings with six points from three matches.
The Miami squad had earlier visited the White House in Washington, where they were received by United States President Donald Trump following their championship success.
Messi, who will turn 39 in June, is now one goal away from becoming one of the few footballers in history to reach the 900-goal career milestone.
