Lionel Messi has set yet another benchmark in his storied career -and this time, it’s at Cristiano Ronaldo’s expense.
The Argentine icon scored twice for Inter Miami in a 5–1 rout of New York Red Bulls over the weekend, bringing his career total of non-penalty goals to 764. That figure nudges him past Ronaldo, who stands at 763.
It’s not just the number that’s impressive. Messi has done it in fewer matches — 1,113 compared to Ronaldo’s 1,281 — underlining what many see as his edge in efficiency.
“Leo keeps surprising us,” said Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino after the match. “At his age, to break records like this… it speaks to his genius and dedication.”
Messi’s latest feat has reignited the debate over who truly deserves the title of football’s greatest. Supporters of Ronaldo often point to his raw power, athleticism and longevity. Messi’s backers highlight his vision, finesse and knack for creating magic without relying on set pieces or penalties.
Football analyst Grace Ochieng told The New York Times: “When you take penalties out of the equation, you get a clearer sense of a player’s natural scoring ability. In that metric, Messi has now taken the lead.”
The record comes as both stars near the twilight of their careers — Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi dazzles MLS fans in the United States. Both are still scoring regularly.
Despite the rivalry, neither player has commented directly on the record. Still, fans around the world have taken to social media to hail the moment. “Messi doesn’t just play football. He paints with his feet,” read one popular post on X (formerly Twitter).
The achievement is also a moment of pride for Major League Soccer, which continues to gain global relevance since Messi’s arrival in 2023.
As the numbers continue to shift, one thing remains constant: this is a race between two giants. And for now, Messi is one step ahead — with the ball at his feet and history at his heels.
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