November 23, 2025 – Lionel Messi became the first player in history to record 1,300 official career goal contributions (896 goals and 404 assists) during Inter Miami CF’s commanding 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in the MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final on Saturday night.

The 38-year-old Argentine delivered a masterful performance at Chase Stadium, scoring once and providing three assists as Inter Miami advanced to their second consecutive MLS Cup final. Messi’s second-half strike — a clinical left-footed finish — marked his 896th career goal, while his assists on goals by Luis Suárez (twice) and Jordi Alba pushed his career total to the unprecedented milestone.

The display also saw Messi set a new single-season MLS playoff record with 11 goal contributions (five goals, six assists) in just six postseason matches in 2025.Inter Miami will now face the winner of the Western Conference Final in the MLS Cup on December 6, seeking their second title in three seasons. With the victory, the club completed a treble-winning year after lifting the Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup earlier in 2025.

Messi’s latest landmark further cements his status as one of football’s greatest-ever players, achieving the feat across spells at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina, and now Inter Miami.