Lionel Messi Scores 900th Goal: His 10 Best Miami Moments Ranked

Fort Lauderdale — When Lionel Messi curled a first-half free kick past Nashville SC keeper on Wednesday night, the roar that rolled across Chase Stadium carried more than the usual joy of a goal. It marked the moment the 38-year-old maestro became only the second player in professional soccer history to score 900 senior career goals, and it arrived in the pink stripes of Inter Miami CF, the expansion franchise he has transformed into a global headline act.

The strike—his 81st for Miami in 1,141 total matches—was the latest entry in a catalogue of memories that already feels encyclopedic after barely two full seasons in South Florida. Below, New Times ranks the ten defining flashes that have redefined both a club and a city.

1. The Debut Stunner (July 2023 vs. Cruz Azul) With the clock bleeding into stoppage time and Miami deadlocked in Leagues Cup play, Messi stepped over a 25-yard free kick. The stadium held its breath; the ball kissed the inside of the upper-90. One swing later, Miami believed.

2. Leagues Cup Breakthrough (August 2023) Ten goals in seven matches powered Miami to its first trophy, the Leagues Cup. The clincher came against Nashville, the same opponent that would later witness goal 900.

3. First Trophy, First History (2023) A three-year-old club lifting silverware turned heads worldwide. Messi’s tournament MVP performance ended a 35-day whirlwind that announced MLS’s newest powerhouse.

4. Supporters’ Shield Standard (2024) In his first full season, Messi captained Miami to the best regular-season record, securing the Shield and proving the Cup run was no summer fling.

5. Club World Cup Shock (Summer 2025) Drawn against Portuguese and Brazilian giants, Miami became the first MLS side ever to reach the FIFA Club World Cup knockout round, with Messi orchestrating every stride.

6. Golden Boot #9 (October 2025) A record 39 league goals earned Messi his ninth career Golden Boot, eclipsing South American legends García, Di Stéfano and Bianchi for the most in history.

7. MVP #11 (November 2025) Already the most decorated player on the planet, Messi collected an 11th overall MVP—his second in MLS—after a season of video-game numbers.

8. Playoff Maestro (November 2025) Six goals and nine assists across six postseason matches carried Miami to the MLS Cup final. Nashville, Cincinnati and Vancouver all felt the sting.

9. MLS Cup Glory (December 2025) In the final against Vancouver Whitecaps, Messi tallied two assists and controlled tempo in a 3-1 win, sealing Miami’s first league championship and earning match MVP honors.

10. The 900th (June 11, 2026) Wednesday’s landmark goal, fittingly against Nashville, pushed his career haul to 900—672 with Barcelona, 115 with Argentina, 32 with PSG and now 81 with Miami.

Contract Through 2028 Last week’s contract extension means Messi will still be on the pitch when Miami Freedom Park, the club’s $1 billion stadium complex, opens next year. If the Argentine great opts to finish his career in South Florida, the ten memories above may only be the preface to an even larger legend.

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