Argentine superstar scores twice to move within one goal of the historic 900-goal milestone as Inter Miami secure a 2–1 MLS victory.

Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami defeated DC United 2–1 on Saturday, taking his career tally to 899 goals and moving him just one goal away from the historic 900-goal milestone.

The Argentine superstar opened the scoring in the 17th minute at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, curling a superb shot into the net after a move involving fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi doubled Miami’s lead about 10 minutes later, latching onto a sublime through ball from Mateo Silvetti and finishing first-time over the advancing DC United goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

The goals marked Messi’s 80th for Inter Miami and his third of the MLS season, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continued his remarkable scoring run.

Over the course of his career, Messi has scored 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for Argentina, adding to his growing tally in the United States with Inter Miami.

DC United pulled one back in the 75th minute through Israeli forward Tai Baribo, but Miami held firm in the closing stages to secure the victory.

The win moves the reigning MLS champions up the Eastern Conference table, where they sit third with six points from three matches.