Messi Scores 899th Career Goal as Inter Miami Beat D.C. United
Lionel Messi continues to rewrite football history. On Saturday, the Argentine superstar scored his 899th career goal as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 2–1 in front of 72,026 fans in Baltimore. The match moved Inter Miami to a 2-1-0 record early in the MLS season, while D.C. United fell to 1-2-0.
At 38 years old, Messi remains decisive for the defending MLS Cup champions. His second-half strike marked his fourth goal of the 2026 season and placed him just one goal away from the historic 900-goal milestone. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has previously crossed that mark in men’s football.
The game also highlighted Inter Miami’s growing popularity. Massive demand to watch Messi forced D.C. United is moving the match to the Baltimore Ravens’ stadium. The venue produced a record crowd atmosphere and demonstrated the continued global influence of the Argentine forward. For Inter Miami, the win also confirmed the team’s recovery after a 3-0 opening loss to LAFC.
Match Overview: Inter Miami vs D.C. United
Inter Miami controlled possession early and created several attacking chances. The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul scored from roughly 15 yards. The midfielder finished calmly after a quick build-up move that caught D.C. United’s defense off guard.
Messi remained heavily involved in the attack. His movement between defensive lines forced D.C. United to drop deeper. This tactical pressure helped Inter Miami dominate the first half.
Key match facts:
- Final score: Inter Miami 2 – 1 D.C. United
- Attendance: 72,026 fans
- Venue: Baltimore Ravens Stadium, Baltimore
- Inter Miami record: 2-1-0
- D.C. United record: 1-2-0
Messi’s Historic 899th Career Goal
The highlight arrived when Messi scored his 899th career goal during the second half. The move started with a quick one-touch pass from Mateo Silvetti that split the defense. Messi received the ball in stride and calmly beat goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
The goal reinforced why Messi remains elite at 38 years old. His positioning and finishing still decide matches at the highest level.
Career milestone overview:
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Career goals | 899 |
| Season goals (2026) | 4 |
| Age | 38 |
| Next milestone | 900 goals |
Reaching 900 career goals would place Messi alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in one of football’s most exclusive records.
D.C. United’s Late Push
D.C. United pushed harder late in the match. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Tai Baribo scored. The striker converted a rebound after Jackson Hopkins forced a save.
Despite the goal, Inter Miami stayed organized defensively. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made several key stops during the final minutes.
The crowd atmosphere also favored Miami. St. Clair noted that Inter Miami supporters filled large sections of the stadium. That unusual away advantage helped maintain momentum during D.C. United’s late push.
Inter Miami’s Busy Schedule Ahead
Inter Miami face a demanding schedule in early March. The team visited the White House on Thursday, adding to their travel commitments. Despite the celebrations, attention quickly returned to competitive matches.
Head coach Javier Mascherano emphasized squad rotation moving forward. He explained that playing every three to four days places significant physical strain on players.
The next test arrives on Wednesday when Inter Miami face Nashville in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Managing minutes for key players, including Messi, will be critical during this period.
