At nearly 39 years old, Lionel Messi continues to solidify his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in global sports, captivating fans with his extraordinary performances on the pitch for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With just two goals needed to reach the monumental milestone of 900 career goals, a feat accomplished only by Cristiano Ronaldo, the excitement surrounding Messi remains palpable. Former teammate and current Inter Miami coach, Javier Mascherano, recently spoke about Messi’s pursuit of this impressive goal tally.
During a press conference ahead of an MLS match against DC United, Mascherano responded to inquiries about Messi’s remarkable statistics, expressing admiration for his ex-colleague. “The numbers that you mention are incredible, he’s unbelievable,” Mascherano said. He further reflected on his privileged position, getting to witness Messi’s brilliance up close. “I’m just a privileged spectator,” he remarked, recalling their shared experiences on the field together.
Currently, Messi boasts 898 goals accumulated through his illustrious career with clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, as well as his contributions to the Argentine national team. He stands at an average of 0.78 goals per game across 1,149 matches, showcasing an efficiency that may allow him to surpass Ronaldo’s achievement in a shorter span. Ronaldo reached the 900-goal mark at the age of 39 years and 7 months, requiring 1,238 matches at an average of 0.73 goals per game.
Messi’s journey to this historical milestone could take a significant step this Saturday, when Inter Miami faces DC United in MLS action. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, especially after Messi’s standout performance where he scored two goals against Orlando City last Sunday. If he does not achieve the milestone in this matchup, the Concacaf Champions Cup starting next Wednesday presents another opportunity, as Inter Miami gears up to play Nashville SC. Additionally, Messi might have the chance to add to his tally during the international break in March, though the specifics of upcoming fixtures for the Argentina team, including a potential match against Spain in the Finalissima, remain uncertain.
As Messi chases this historic goal count, his dedication and talent continue to inspire both fans and aspiring soccer players worldwide. The sport eagerly watches to see if he will add another remarkable chapter to his storied career in the coming days.