Messi Nets 899th Career Goal in Inter Miami's 2-1 Victory Over DC United
Lionel Messi edged closer to a historic milestone by scoring his 899th career goal, helping Inter Miami secure a 2-1 victory over DC United in their MLS regular season encounter.
The match, played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to accommodate a massive crowd of over 72,000 fans, saw Inter Miami take control early. Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning curling shot from the edge of the area, before Messi doubled the lead in the 27th minute. He latched onto a precise through ball from Mateo Silvetti and executed a deft first-time chipped finish over goalkeeper Sean Johnson, marking his third goal of the young MLS season and his 80th for the club.
DC United mounted a late comeback attempt, pulling one back in the 75th minute through Israeli forward Tai Baribo, but Inter Miami's defense held firm to claim all three points. This result marked the Herons' second win of the season, boosting them to third place in the Eastern Conference with six points from three matches. Coming off a strong Florida derby performance against Orlando City where Messi also found the net twice, the team showed resilience despite a demanding schedule that included a recent White House visit hosted by President Donald Trump.
The goal brings the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner—one goal shy of becoming just the second men's player to reach 900 career goals—ever closer to another remarkable achievement. At 38 years old (turning 39 in June), Messi continues to demonstrate his enduring class, with his career tally comprising 672 for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, 115 for Argentina, and now contributions from his time at Inter Miami. As reigning MLS champions, Inter Miami's strong start underscores their title defense ambitions.
