Messi Scores 899th Career Goal in Inter Miami Win Over D.C. United

BALTIMORE, MD – Lionel Messi continued his relentless march toward a historic milestone, scoring his 899th career goal as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 2-1 on Saturday. The match, played before a crowd of 72,026 at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, showcased Messi’s enduring brilliance and underscored Inter Miami’s growing confidence as the defending MLS Cup champions.

The decision to host the game in Baltimore, rather than at D.C. United’s RFK Stadium, was a clear indication of the draw Messi brings to the league. The larger venue allowed more fans to witness the Argentine superstar’s latest feat, and he didn’t disappoint. Messi’s goal, a characteristically deft finish in the 27th minute, doubled Inter Miami’s lead after Rodrigo De Paul had opened the scoring in the 17th.

De Paul’s opener came from a well-struck shot from just outside the penalty area, finding the far corner of the net. The goal highlighted Inter Miami’s attacking intent early in the match, and set the stage for Messi to further electrify the crowd. Receiving a perfectly weighted through ball from Mateo Silvetti, Messi calmly flicked the ball past D.C. United goalkeeper Sean Johnson, showcasing the precision and composure that have defined his illustrious career.

While Inter Miami controlled much of the first half, D.C. United refused to concede defeat. They mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, and managed to pull a goal back through Tai Baribo in the 75th minute. A shot from Jackson Hopkins forced a save, and Baribo was on hand to convert the rebound, injecting renewed hope into the home side.

However, despite a late push, D.C. United were unable to find an equalizer. Inter Miami’s defense held firm, securing a valuable three points and continuing their positive momentum after a rocky start to the season. The team had previously suffered a 3-0 defeat to LAFC in their league opener, but have now secured back-to-back wins.

The victory comes on the heels of an eventful week for Messi and Inter Miami, which included a visit to the White House on Thursday. The team was received by President Donald Trump, a testament to the growing profile of soccer – and Messi himself – in the United States.

Looking ahead, Messi is now just one goal away from becoming only the second men’s player in history to reach the 900-goal mark, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club. He will have the opportunity to achieve this milestone when Inter Miami travels to Nashville on Wednesday for a Concacaf Champions Cup match.

For D.C. United, the loss represents a setback in their early season campaign. Despite Baribo’s goal, they were unable to overcome Inter Miami’s quality and Messi’s brilliance. They will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami’s win moves them into third place in the Eastern Conference standings with six points from three games. Their ability to attract large crowds and consistently deliver exciting performances is a significant boost for the league, and Messi remains the central figure in their success. The team’s early season form suggests they are well-positioned to defend their MLS Cup title, but the long season ahead will undoubtedly present numerous challenges.

The game in Baltimore served as a reminder of Messi’s enduring impact on the sport. At 38 years old, he continues to perform at an exceptionally high level, captivating fans and inspiring teammates. His pursuit of 900 career goals is a compelling narrative that will undoubtedly draw even more attention to Inter Miami and Major League Soccer.