Messi backed to reach 1,000 goals by Miami boss Gonzalez

Inter Miami head coach Cristian Gonzalez has backed Lionel Messi to reach the 1,000-goal mark in his career.

Messi scored twice as the Herons defeated Atlanta United last time out, recording three consecutive wins ahead of facing the New York Red Bulls this weekend.

He now has a goal contribution in 13 straight matches, tying his second-longest streak with club and country in his career, as Miami look to secure second place in the Eastern Conference ahead of the playoffs.

Messi, who retired from international duty this month, has now scored 936 goals for club and country, though he has hinted towards a possible retirement sooner rather than later.

Nevertheless, Gonzalez believes the Argentina legend will reach quadruple figures for goals before he retires.

"Yes, I believe he'll reach 1,000 goals," Gonzalez said. "I have faith in that. I know he will, because he loves a challenge, he sets challenges for himself and, since he's already achieved everything else, this will be no exception.

"He dazzles me with every single action, every time I see him in training. I truly hope he continues to amaze us right up until the day he decides to retire, which, hopefully, won't be for a long time yet.

"As I always say, he pushes us to be better every single day. It's an immense joy to have him here. Everyone knows how special our relationship is. Every time I see him, he brings a smile to my face. I'm still constantly amazed by him."

The New York Red Bulls have struggled in their playoff push in recent weeks, losing three of their last four matches (W1).

They lost 2-0 at home to Toronto FC last time out, leaving them ninth in the East, but level on points with the Reds one place below them.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Justin Che

Che will be out to make amends for his own goal last time out against Toronto.

It was the club’s first own goal conceded of the season, and at two minutes, 46 seconds into the match, it was the earliest of the 40 own goals scored in MLS play this season.

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

After a brace at Atlanta, Messi has now scored 13 goals on the road in league play this season.

Messi scored 14 road regular-season goals in 2025, so he is the first player in MLS history to have two different regular seasons with at least 13 away goals.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami have scored at least one goal in 26 straight regular-season matches dating back to March.

That is the second-longest goalscoring streak in a single regular season in MLS history, behind only D.C. United, who scored in all 32 of their regular-season matches in 1998.

NYRB were held scoreless for the ninth time in the 2026 regular season in their home loss to Toronto. Only CF Montreal (11) and Sporting Kansas City (10) have been shut out more times this season in league play than the Red Bulls.

Miami’s last two road matches against NYRB have been a 5–1 victory (in 2025) and a 4–0 loss (in 2024). No exact fixture (one team hosting another) in MLS history has had three straight regular-season matches decided by four or more goals.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls – 27.8%

Draw – 24.1%

Inter Miami – 48.1%