Messi 901st goal inspires Inter Miami to 3-2 win over NYCFC, handing them first MLS loss of the season

Lionel Messi on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in New York scored his 901st career goal as Inter Miami CF defeated New York City FC 3-2, handing the hosts their first loss of the Major League Soccer season.

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The Argentine forward netted the equaliser in the 61st minute with a powerful free kick, bringing Miami level after falling behind earlier in the contest.

Defender Micael later secured the decisive goal in the 74th minute, heading home from a cross to complete the comeback victory.

Miami had taken an early lead through Gonzalo Lujan, who scored in the fourth minute with a low finish.

However, Nicolas Fernandez responded for New York City FC in the 17th minute with a stunning free kick.

Despite creating several chances in the first half, Messi was initially denied by goalkeeper Matt Freese and also struck the crossbar before the break.

New York regained the lead in the 59th minute when Agustin Ojeda finished clinically after a through pass.

Messi, however, produced a decisive moment shortly after, converting a free kick following a foul by Aiden O’Neill to level the score once again.

The win marked a strong response from Inter Miami, who were recently eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and lifted their record to 3-1-1 for the season.

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New York City FC, meanwhile, dropped to 3-1 after suffering their first defeat of the campaign.