The Argentine legend surpasses Pelé’s record in a 3-2 thriller at Yankee Stadium, lifting the Herons into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference
Lionel Messi’s relentless pursuit of footballing history reached a new milestone on Sunday as Inter Miami overturned a second-half deficit to defeat New York City FC 3-2.
The Argentine forward netted the 901st goal of his professional career, pulling his side level in the 61st minute with a signature left-footed free kick.
The strike was significant not just for the scoreline, but for the history books, as it was Messi’s 71st career goal from a direct free kick, moving him past Brazilian icon Pelé for sole possession of second place on the all-time list. Only Juninho Pernambucano, with 77, now stands between the 38-year-old and the global record.
Despite Messi scoring his 900th career goal during the second leg against Nashville SC on Wednesday, Miami were eliminated on the away goals rule after a 1-1 draw.
Returning to MLS action, the Herons demonstrated a renewed bite that had been missing during a recent three-game winless streak, ultimately securing the three points through a 74th-minute header from defender Micael.
GOOOOOL! Another free-kick goal by him. 🔟🪄 pic.twitter.com/Jeb9L8CPB5
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 22, 2026
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The result has immediate implications for the Eastern Conference table, as Inter Miami (3-1-1) now sits tied with NYCFC for second place, trailing leaders Nashville by just three points.
Gonzalo Luján handed Miami a lead in the fourth minute, only for NYCFC’s Nicolás Fernández to equalize with a stunning free kick of his own shortly after.
The hosts briefly took control in the 59th minute when Agustín Ojeda finished a clinical pass from Maxi Moralez, but Messi’s equalizer just two minutes later shifted the momentum permanently back to the visitors.
When the squad returns to domestic play, they will do so at Miami Freedom Park for the highly anticipated April 4 opening of Nu Stadium against Austin FC.
The debut of the state-of-the-art facility marks a turning point for the franchise, who have spent their first six seasons playing at the temporary Chase Stadium.
While Messi continues to close the gap on Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time tally (965 goals), the focus in Miami remains on securing domestic silverware.
With four MLS goals already in the 2026 campaign, Messi appears to be in peak form as the league heads into its spring hiatus.
For a team that struggled with consistency throughout February, the ability to grind out a comeback win on the road suggests that the Messi effect is once again transforming Inter Miami into a legitimate contender for the Supporters’ Shield.