What happened: The latest landmark was Messi's 100th goal, and it came in a title-winning result that added more silverware to his resume.
Why it matters: The century mark lands 16 days after Messi announced his international retirement and keeps him at the center of the sport's biggest conversations. It also comes eight days after his return to the 2026 Ballon d'Or ballot, extending a late-summer run of major career developments.
By the numbers: 100 goals is the key number here. The milestone comes 16 days after Messi's Aug. 31 retirement announcement and eight days after his Sept. 8 return to the Ballon d'Or ballot.
What to watch: Watch how quickly Messi adds to the century mark and whether more silverware follows before the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Oct. 26 in London.