Lionel Messi reached another remarkable career milestone after scoring his 930th career goal as Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by San Diego FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday night.
The Argentine superstar produced another moment of brilliance with a spectacular free kick to bring Inter Miami level after San Diego had taken an early lead.
The goal was Messi’s 20th MLS goal of the 2026 season and his 101st goal for Inter Miami in all competitions. It also marked the 75th free-kick goal of his professional career, according to reports following the match.
Messi produces another magical free kick
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San Diego took the lead in the 12th minute through Anders Dreyer.
The Danish forward was played through on goal before lifting the ball over Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to give the visitors an early advantage.
Messi responded just over 10 minutes later.
After winning a free kick in a dangerous position, the Inter Miami captain stepped up and delivered a curling left-footed effort toward the far post.
The ball struck the post and went into the net, leaving San Diego goalkeeper CJ dos Santos unable to keep it out.
The spectacular effort brought Miami back into the contest and gave Messi yet another milestone to celebrate.
MLS confirmed that the goal was Messi’s 20th of the 2026 regular season, making him only the second player in league history to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive MLS seasons. LAFC’s Denis Bouanga previously achieved the feat from 2023 to 2025.
Messi reaches 930 career goals
The goal also moved Messi to 930 career goals across club and international football.
His latest milestone comes just days after he scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami during the club’s 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup.
Messi scored in that match before assisting Casemiro for Inter Miami’s second goal, helping the club secure another trophy.
He then added his 101st Miami goal against San Diego.
The achievement further extends a remarkable scoring record that has continued into his late 30s.
Luis Suárez puts Miami ahead
Inter Miami eventually completed the comeback in the 74th minute when Luis Suárez found the net.
The goal appeared to put the home side on course for another victory after overcoming their early deficit.
However, San Diego refused to leave Miami empty-handed.
Dreyer struck again in the 82nd minute to complete his brace and restore parity.
Neither team could find a winning goal during the closing stages, leaving the match to finish 2-2.
Messi continues impressive MLS form
Despite the draw, Messi continues to produce outstanding numbers during the 2026 MLS campaign.
MLS statistics show that he has scored 20 goals and provided 13 assists in 23 league appearances, giving him 33 goal contributions for the season.
His continued production has placed him at the top of the MLS scoring and goal-contribution charts.
The San Diego match also extended his run of scoring form, with Messi continuing to influence matches both as a goalscorer and creator.
His impact has been central to Inter Miami’s campaign as the club attempts to defend its MLS Cup title and compete for further silverware.
Another milestone in a remarkable career
Messi’s latest achievement comes during another historic period for both the player and Inter Miami.
Since joining the club in 2023, the Argentine has helped Miami win the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield, MLS Cup and, most recently, the 2026 Campeones Cup.
The Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul gave Miami a trophy in four consecutive seasons, with Messi scoring his 100th goal for the club during the final.
His latest free kick against San Diego added another personal milestone to that growing list.
At 930 career goals, Messi continues to add to a scoring record that has defined one of football’s most decorated careers.
Inter Miami drop more points
The 2-2 draw means Miami were unable to turn Messi’s milestone goal into another MLS victory.
San Diego earned a valuable point after twice coming from behind, while Dreyer’s two goals ensured the visitors remained competitive throughout the match.
For Inter Miami, attention now turns to the remainder of the MLS regular season as the club continues its push toward the playoffs.
With Messi producing 20 goals and 13 assists so far in league play, the Argentine remains one of the central figures in Miami’s pursuit of further success.
His 930th career goal may have come in a draw, but the milestone provided another memorable chapter in the extraordinary career of Lionel Messi.
