Inter Miami’s 3-2 victory over New York City FC has given fans plenty to talk about. With a free-kick goal by Lionel Messi, the Argentine not only broke Pelé’s record and is now just 7 goals away from catching the leader, Marcelinho Carioca (78), but also settled a score with history.
In total, Messi has scored in several MLS stadiums, but Yankee Stadium had eluded him. Finally, NYCFC’s home stadium surrendered to the “10,” and he scored for the first time in the legendary Major League Baseball stadium.
Messi conquers yet another MLS stadium
Leo’s 901st goal came in the 61st minute of the match and joined Gonzalo Luján’s (4′) to level the score, proving decisive for the comeback on New York soil. Micael dos Santos Silva added the third goal in the 74th minute.
However, Lionel’s goal was his first at Yankee Stadium, where he had previously tried unsuccessfully to score, making this feat all the more significant.
Since joining the league in 2023, Lionel has left his mark at venues such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Subaru Park, and Gillette Stadium, but the Inter Miami captain had to wait until his third visit to the venue to celebrate a goal there.
In this way, the argentine capitan continues to expand his collection of “conquered” stadiums within the MLS and now has 15 where he has scored at least once:
- Sports Illustrated Stadium (New York)
- Dignity Health Sports Park (Los Angeles)
- Children’s Mercy Park (Kansas City)
- Gillette Stadium (New England)
- ScottsMiracle-Gro Field (Columbus)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- Allianz Field (Minnesota)
- Subaru Park (Philadelphia)
- Saputo Stadium (Montreal)
- Citi Field (New York)
- Geodis Park (Nashville)
- TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
- Exploria Stadium (Orlando)
- Audi Field (DC United)
- Yankee Stadium (Yankee Stadium)
However, the map is not yet complete. The structure of the MLS, with its conferences and schedules, means that many stadiums have not yet seen Leo in action or been able to cheer his goal. Western venues such as Lumen Field, Providence Park, and BMO Stadium are still waiting for his visit… and his goal.
At 38, Messi continues to expand his legacy in new territory. Now, in April, Inter Miami will host Austin at Nu Stadium on Saturday the 4th and RB New York on the 11th for MLS action.
Then, they’ll travel to face Colorado at Empower Field at Mile High on the 18th and to America First Field to take on Real Salt Lake on the 23rd. They’ll wrap up the month by facing New England at home on the 26th.
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