Lionel Messi scores 101st Inter Miami goal and eyes Spanish

Lionel Messi continues to make headlines on and off the pitch, reaching a new milestone for Inter Miami while expanding his business portfolio in Spain. The Argentine star scored his 101st goal for his MLS club in a 2-2 draw with San Diego FC on Sunday, just days after netting his 100th. Off the field, he is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the sole owner of Spanish second-division side CD Eldense.

Messi found the net with a clever free kick in the 24th minute, his 20th league goal of the season, to cancel out an early opener from San Diego's Anders Dreyer. The match ended 2-2 at DRV PNK Stadium. Luis Suárez had briefly put Miami ahead in the 74th minute before Dreyer equalized eight minutes later. The result leaves Miami with a record of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 10 draws for 46 points. Their next league fixture is away to the Columbus Crew next Sunday.

Reports from Spain indicate Messi is set to purchase the entirety of Deportivo Eldense from the Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group. The deal is not yet legally finalized and remains subject to due diligence and approval from Spain's High Council for Sports. Ruben Alfaro, the mayor of Elda, confirmed an agreement in principle exists. If completed, Messi would become the sole owner of the Alicante-based club, which plays at the 5,800-seat Estadio Municipal Nuevo Pepico Amat. This follows his purchase of a stake in UE Cornellà, a fifth-division Catalan club, in April 2026.

With a new international break underway, the long-term future of Argentina's iconic number 10 shirt is a topic of discussion. South American nations are beginning a new post-2026 World Cup cycle, with a Copa América scheduled for 2028 and format questions for 2030 World Cup qualifying. Messi, now 39, remains active for his country, but his eventual international retirement will force a major transition. The coming years will see Argentina begin the search for a successor to fill the role he has defined for nearly two decades.

Yes, the eight-time winner earned his 17th nomination for the prestigious award. His nomination comes after he helped inspire Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost to Spain. Messi scored eight goals during that tournament. His eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo did not make the shortlist this time.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Messi scored his 101st goal for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw with San Diego FC on September 24, 2026.
• He is in the process of buying Spanish second-division club CD Eldense, pending final approvals.
• The Argentine legend received his 17th career Ballon d'Or nomination.

Messi's immediate focus returns to Inter Miami's push up the [standings](/standings) as the MLS season enters its final stages. His off-field investments show a clear commitment to fostering football development in Spain, a country integral to his legendary career.