Messi Career Goals 2026: From Barcelona to Inter Miami

Last Updated on: 15th January 2026, 06:42 pm

Lionel Messi has scored 896 career goals and delivered 407 assists in 1,137 appearances up to January 2026. This makes him the second-highest goal scorer in football history, behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi’s football journey spans FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, along with a historic career for Argentina.

With nearly a thousand goals and over 400 assists, Lionel Messi statistics show why he is widely regarded as the most complete footballer of all time. His blend of scoring, creativity, and efficiency makes his legacy unique in football history.

Messi Career Goals at Barcelona

Lionel Messi spent the majority of his professional career at FC Barcelona, where he became the face of the club and one of the greatest players ever. He scored a record-breaking 672 goals in 778 official matches for the Catalan giants.

Early Rise in Barcelona

Messi made his first-team debut in 2004 as a teenager. By the 2005–06 season, he was already scoring in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His dribbling, balance, vision, and finishing quickly separated him from other young players.

Even in his early years, Messi scored against Europe’s biggest teams. These early goals marked the beginning of a legendary career.

Prime Barcelona Years (2008–2015)

Messi reached his peak during Barcelona’s golden era under Pep Guardiola. He produced historic numbers, including 73 goals in the 2011–12 season, the most goals ever scored in a single European campaign.

He won multiple Ballon d’Or awards while scoring regularly in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey finals. This period firmly established him as one of football’s all-time greats.

Late Barcelona Years (2016–2021)

Even in his 30s, Messi remained dominant. He continued winning La Liga Golden Boots and consistently reached double figures in goals each season.

When he left Barcelona in 2021, Messi stood as the club’s all-time top scorer and assist provider, setting records that may never be matched.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

After leaving Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Over two seasons in Ligue 1, he scored 32 goals in 75 matches.

Adapting to French Football

At PSG, Messi played a deeper creative role while still contributing goals. He formed a strong attacking partnership with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé and helped PSG secure domestic titles.

Although his goal tally was lower than in Spain, his impact remained world-class, proving he could succeed outside Barcelona.

Inter Miami (MLS)

In 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami, bringing global attention to Major League Soccer.

Messi Impact at Inter Miami

As of January 2026, Messi has scored 76 goals in 102 matches for Inter Miami across league and cup competitions. He led the club to the Leagues Cup title in 2023, scoring in nearly every match of the tournament.

His arrival transformed Inter Miami and significantly boosted the popularity of football in the United States.

Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi has scored 114 international goals for Argentina, becoming the country’s all-time leading goal scorer and the top-scoring South American male player in international football.

Big Moments for Argentina

Messi has delivered goals in World Cups, Copa América tournaments, qualifiers, and finals, consistently performing on the biggest stages.

Major Tournament Highlights

Copa América 2021 Triumph

Lionel Messi finally achieved long-awaited international success by leading Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América. He was Argentina’s most influential player throughout the tournament, contributing with both goals and assists in crucial matches. Messi’s leadership and performances helped Argentina defeat Brazil in the final, ending a 28-year trophy drought and silencing long-standing criticism about his international career.

World Cup 2022 Glory

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Messi delivered one of the greatest individual tournament campaigns in football history. He scored 7 goals, including two in the final against France, and consistently stepped up in decisive moments. His goals, assists, and leadership guided Argentina through dramatic knockout matches, culminating in a historic World Cup triumph after a penalty shootout. This victory completed Messi’s legacy on the world’s biggest stage.

Copa América 2024 Campaign

Messi continued to represent Argentina at the highest level during the 2024 Copa América. Despite being in the later stages of his career, he remained a key figure, contributing goals, creating chances, and leading the team with his experience. His presence alone influenced matches, once again proving his importance to Argentina in major tournaments.

Key Career Goal Milestones

896 Total Goals

Lionel Messi has scored 896 goals in 1,137 official matches, placing him second on the all-time goal-scoring list in football history. This remarkable total reflects his consistency across club and international football over nearly two decades.

60 Hat-tricks

Messi has recorded 60 career hat-tricks, highlighting his ability to dominate games and single-handedly decide outcomes. His hat-tricks have come across domestic leagues, international competitions, and major tournaments.

69 Free-kick Goals

With 69 direct free-kick goals, Messi stands among the greatest free-kick specialists football has ever seen. His precision, technique, and ability to score from difficult angles make his set-pieces a constant threat to goalkeepers.

Penalties

Messi has converted 112 penalties from 144 attempts, maintaining a 77.8% conversion rate, excluding shootouts. His penalty record reflects composure under pressure, especially in high-stakes matches.

Goal Breakdown

Left Foot Goals

Messi’s left foot is legendary. He has scored 752 goals with his left foot, making it the most productive left foot in football history. This ability has defined his career and made him nearly unstoppable in attacking situations.

Right Foot Goals

Although left-footed, Messi has also scored 110 goals with his right foot, showing that he is dangerous from both sides. His two-footed finishing adds unpredictability to his attacking game.

Header Goals

Despite not being known for aerial dominance, Messi has scored 30 headed goals, including some of the most iconic goals of his career. These goals highlight his positioning, timing, and football intelligence.

Other Body Part Goals

Messi has scored 4 goals using other body parts, such as his chest or torso. These rare goals underline his sharp instincts and ability to react quickly in crowded penalty areas.

Playmaking and Performance Stats

Messi is not just a goal scorer but an elite creator:

• 407 assists
• 2,032 key passes
• 579 big chances created
• 4,018 successful dribbles
• 439 Man of the Match awards
• Average match rating: 8.41

Efficiency and Match Impact

• Goals per game: 0.79
• Minutes per goal: 104.3
• Minutes per goal or assist: 71.7

These numbers demonstrate Messi’s unparalleled efficiency and influence throughout his career.

Messi Legacy and Continued Journey

With 896 goals and 407 assists, Lionel Messi’s career embodies excellence, longevity, and complete mastery of the game. From Barcelona to PSG, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team, he has delivered trophies, records, and unforgettable moments.

As of 2026, Messi continues to build his legacy, strengthening his claim as the greatest footballer of all time and leaving a standard that future generations may never reach.