Lionel Messi has some high expectations for Inter Miami for 2026. He’ll aim to lead the Herons to consecutive MLS Cup titles during a season in which they’ll be playing at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium.
The bigger story for La Pulga may be if Messi can also captain Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles this summer, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America.
All season, we’ll be tracking Messi’s game-by-game performances as the GOAT looks to have another epic season.
March 18: 900 Career Goals (!) But Eliminated From CONCACAF Champions Cup
What a milestone for the superstar who has now reached the 900-goal mark in his illustrious club career that has spanned Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami – as well as his international duty with Argentina.
Messi scored the goal in Wednesday’s Champions Cup match against Nashville SC, taking a pass in the middle of the box in the seventh minute, controlled the ball, spun and lined a low shot through a maze of defenders and into the far corner of the net.
Despite the historic goal, Nashville tied Inter Miami 1-1, advancing to the tournament quarterfinals on an away-goal tiebreaker. The teams played to a 0-0 tie in Nashville last week, the opening leg of the Round of 16 matchup.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi scores his 900TH CAREER GOAL vs. Nashville SC
Messi is second on the all-time goal scoring list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (965), with those two the only ones who are in that stratosphere. Officially the duo are followed by Romário (765), Pelé (762) and Ference Puskás (725). The next-highest active player is Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski (690). There is some controversy about Pelé’s count. Different sources, counting different sets of games, list the Brazilian icon’s goal totals anywhere from around 650 in league matches to somewhere near 1,300 in all matches — some against low-level competition.
Messi’s goal breakdown by team is as follows:
Barcelona: 672 goals in 778 games
Paris Saint-Germain: 32 goals in 75 games
Inter Miami: 81 goals in 92 games
Argentina: 115 goals in 196 games
Total: 900 goals in 1,141 games
March 14: Messi Sits Out Inter Miami Draw; Mascherano Sent Off
Lionel Messi was rested for this game, as head coach Javier Mascherano chose to save his energy for the second CONCACAF Champions Cup leg against Nashville SC. The race for his 900th goal was, once again, put on pause. In his place, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez received his first start of the MLS season.
Though Saturday ended in a scoreless draw, the game itself stayed spirited. In a heated exchange, Mascherano received a red card in stoppage time. As he protested the booking, he was sent off for foul and offensive language. Ever a lively personality, he sarcastically clapped at the Charlotte FC crowd.
Messi and Inter Miami will play Nashville SC again in their second leg of the CONCACAF Championship Cup’s Round of 16 on March 18, 4:00 pm PT.
March 11: Messi Stuck At 899 goals After Draw With Nashville
Inter Miami and Lionel Messi faced off against Nashville SC in the Herons’ first game of the CONCACAF Champions Cup of the season. The Round of 16 ended in a scoreless draw, with Messi staying silent on the statsheet.
With the potential to snag his 900th overall career goal, he attempted one shot in the 55th minute. Unfortunately, this feat was put on hold as the 24-year-old goalkeeper Brian Schwake came up with the save.
The teams will face off on March 18 in Fort Lauderdale at Chase Stadium to decide which team will move into the quarterfinal round.
March 7: Messi Scores In Win Over D.C. United After White House Visit
Lionel Messi & Inter Miami vs. D.C. United ⚽ FOX SOCCER
Check out the best moments of this MLS matchup between Inter Miami and D.C. United!
Lionel Messi scored in the 27th minute, and Inter Miami held on for a 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night in front of 72,026 at the home of the NFL‘s Baltimore Ravens.
The game was held in downtown Baltimore instead of at D.C. United’s smaller venue in Washington. It’s the second game this season where Inter Miami’s opponents held the match at a larger stadium. LAFC did so in February by changing the game to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
It was an eventful week for Messi and his team, which visited the White House on Thursday. Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 17th minute when De Paul collected the ball about 15 yards from the goal and struck a shot into the far side of the net.
Messi then scored his third goal of the young MLS season, slipping behind the D.C. defense to receive Mateo Silvetti‘s pass, then flicking the ball with one touch past goalie Sean Johnson.
March 1: Messi Scores Twice in Comeback Win Over Florida Rivals Orlando City
LIONEL MESSI SCORES TWICE in Inter Miami’s 4-2 win against Orlando City ⚽ FOX SOCCER
Nothing like scoring twice against your in-state rivals. Especially after being initially down by two.
Messi had two second-half goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s 4-2 win over Orlando City. It was his first two goals of the 2026 MLS season and the Herons’ first win. It was part of a four-goal rally by Inter Miami in the second half, which also included goals by Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia (who also had two assists).
Marco Pasalic and Martín Ojedahad initially gave the Lions the lead before Messi and Miami came out with a full head of steam after halftime. Messi’s second was a particular beauty as it came off a free kick in the final moments of the game in Orlando. Messi, ever the master at gamesmanship, decided to troll the Orlando faithful by mockingly giving them an autograph.
Feb. 26: Messi Knocked Over By Pitch Invader In Chaotic Friendly In Puerto Rico
A curiously timed match between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente Del Valle at Puerto Rico’s Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel saw Messi convert a penalty and later tackled by an overzealous pitch invader.
The game in Bayamón was supposed to be played in Inter Miami’s preseason on Feb. 13 but was moved back due to Messi’s hamstring injury. Inter Miami honored the rescheduled match after having already played its MLS season opener.
Messi entered at halftime and was cheered loudly anytime he touched the ball. His penalty came in the 70th minute, which sealed the 2-1 victory in the unofficial match. But as the game came to a wrap, a pitch invader got tangled up with Messi and a security guard – taking the superstar to the ground. He seemed to be fine as he got up and walked away.
Feb. 21: Messi Held Scoreless As LAFC Wins Historic MLS Opener
LAFC vs. Inter Miami Highlights | FOX Soccer
Inter Miami began its season with a 3-0 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against Son Heung-min and LAFC. In front of an announced crowd of 75,672 – the second-highest game attendance in MLS history and highest for a season-opening game ever.
After the game, a video posted on social media showed Messi following the referees through the tunnel and into a locker room. A visibly angry Messi appeared to be held back by teammate Luis Suarez with the two then exiting the area. The league said that Messi did not violate any policy and that he would not face any suspension.
