Lionel Messi Stays On 899 Goals As Inter Miami Held To 0-0 Draw By Nashville

Lionel Messi was denied his 900th career goal on Wednesday as Inter Miami CF played a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC in the first leg of the round of 16 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The 38 year old Argentine forward was closely marked throughout the match as both sides failed to find the net in the North American club competition clash.

Inter Miami will host the second leg next Wednesday.

Messi moved within one goal of the 900 career goal milestone after scoring his 80th goal for Inter Miami and the 899th of his career in an Major League Soccer victory over D.C. United last Saturday.

The eight time Ballon d'Or winner, who will turn 39 in June, scored 672 goals during his time at FC Barcelona and added 32 goals while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. He has also scored 115 international goals for the Argentina national football team.

Rain arrived after a scoreless first half but defenders continued to dominate the contest.

Messi came closest to scoring in the 57th minute when his right footed shot from the right side of the box was saved by Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake.

Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair also made a key save in the 65th minute. He denied a header from Nashville's Reed Baker-Whiting following a cross from Cristian Espinoza to keep the match scoreless.