Inter Miami head coach Gonzalez: "Messi will reach 1,000 goals"

Inter Miami head coach Cristian Gonzalez has said he believes Lionel Messi can reach the 1,000-goal mark in his career.

Messi scored twice against Atlanta United in his side's most recent league match to deliver a third straight win. Inter Miami visit the New York Red Bulls this weekend.

The Argentine star, who has contributed to a goal in 13 consecutive matches for club and country to equal the second-longest streak of his career, is leading Miami's push to secure second place in the Eastern Conference ahead of the playoffs.

Messi, who has brought his international career to a close, has scored a total of 936 goals for club and country. Although he has hinted that retirement may not be far away, Gonzalez believes the Argentine great will reach four figures before he hangs up his boots.

"Yes, I believe he will reach 1,000 goals. I have complete faith in that," Gonzalez said. "I know he will do it because he loves a challenge, he sets himself goals, and having already won everything, this will be no exception."

Gonzalez continued: "Every time I see him in training, every move he makes captivates me. I hope he keeps surprising us until the day he decides to retire, and I hope that day is still a long way off. As I always say, he motivates us to get better every day. Having him here is an indescribable joy. Everyone knows how special our relationship is. Every time I see him, a smile comes to my face. He still amazes me all the time."

The New York Red Bulls, meanwhile, have stumbled in the playoff race in recent weeks, losing three of their last four matches (W1). Beaten 2-0 at home by Toronto FC last time out, they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Players to watch

New York Red Bulls – Justin Che

Che will be looking to make amends for his own goal against Toronto. Coming after 2 minutes and 46 seconds, it was the team's first own goal of the season and also the earliest of the 40 own goals scored in the league this season.

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi's brace at Atlanta took his tally of away league goals this season to 13. Having scored 14 away goals in the 2025 regular season, he became the first player in MLS history to score at least 13 away goals in two different regular seasons.

Form and head-to-head

Miami have scored in 26 consecutive regular-season matches dating back to March. That is the second-longest scoring streak within a single regular season, behind D.C. United, who scored in all 32 of their matches in 1998.

The Red Bulls were held scoreless for the ninth time this season in the defeat to Toronto, and only two teams have failed to score in more matches. Miami's last two visits to NYRB ended in a 5-1 win and a 4-0 defeat.