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Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

Behind Messi’s 900th goal is a three-year game plan for Argentina’s World Cup bid

Messi was not merely choosing a ‘better life’ when he moved to the US; instead, he was calculating his next moves to lift another World Cup.

The little magician from Argentina, Lionel Messi, touched yet another milestone—900 career goals—when Inter Miami faced Nashville SC on Wednesday for their Round of 16 second-leg draw in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The 38-year-old ace sublimely received a pass from Sergio Reguilón from the left flank inside the D-box, nudged it away with his weaker foot to make space, and slotted it into the far bottom-corner with his iconic left foot.

And, of course, the shot nutmegged a Nashville defender, who, along with his centre-back pair, made no errors while defending against Messi. There was just one opening to the goal—a small gap between the legs of Colombian defender Jeisson Palacios. And, as usual, the maestro’s vision was spot on yet again.

The 900 league only features the 41-year-old Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 965 goals. But Messi touched the 900-goal mark in 1,142 matches, while his so-called ‘competitor’ did it in 1,236 matches. Also, Ronaldo was a year older when he achieved that feat.

Nonetheless, this is not about the stale Messi-Ronaldo debate. Because, as football pundit Jamie Carragher said, “There was never a debate.” Even if there was a slight argument around the corners, the last nail to the coffin was put in 2022 when Argentina lifted the World Cup.

Messi moved to the US in 2023 and joined Inter Miami from France’s PSG. He rejected the massive,........

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