Lionel Messi is on the verge of another historic milestone. He needs just one more goal to reach 900 in his professional career. The landmark moment could arrive when Inter Miami CF face Nashville SC in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday, March 11.
Since Messi arrived in the United States, the meeting between Inter Miami and Nashville has become one of the most compelling rivalries in Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi Closing on Historic 900th Career Goal
Both clubs have started the 2026 Major League Soccer season strongly. Each has recorded two wins and one draw in their opening three matches. Nashville reached the round of 16 by comfortably defeating Atlético Ottawa 7–0 on aggregate. Inter Miami entered the competition directly at this stage after receiving a bye as the defending MLS champions.
The highly anticipated matchup will take place in Nashville. The return leg is set for March 18 at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The aggregate winner across both matches will advance further in the competition. This tournament also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Since the Herons signed Messi in July 2023, their matchups with Nashville have been largely one-sided. The teams have faced each other 11 times, with Nashville managing only one outright victory, which came at home in Game 2 of last season’s first-round MLS Cup Playoffs to force a deciding Game 3. Three other matches ended level in regulation, including the 2023 Leagues Cup final that Inter Miami ultimately won on penalties.
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Messi has been a constant thorn in Nashville’s side. Since joining Inter Miami, he has scored 15 goals in 11 matches against Nashville, making them his most frequent victims during his MLS career. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano noted the significance of his former teammate’s approaching milestone.
“Clearly, we don’t appreciate the magnitude of it,” Mascherano said. “In the end, we’re talking about being able to score or reach 900 goals, which is an incredible feat for a unique player. “Hopefully, as a team, we can help him reach 900 or more on Wednesday. That would mean we played well, scored away, and gave ourselves a chance to finish the matchup at home with our fans.”
If Messi reaches 900 goals against Nashville, it would add to a career of historic achievements. Given his record against them, the setting seems fitting.
