The storied rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has captivated soccer fans for decades, as both legends have vied annually for the title of the best soccer player in the world. Even as they surpass 38 years, these icons continue to perform impressively for their respective clubs. Recently, the Inter Miami‘s superstar further cemented his legacy by snatching Cristiano’s record with a sensational brace against the New York Red Bulls.
According to ESPN, Lionel Messi has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest goal scorer in soccer history when excluding penalty kicks. Messi’s recent brace against the New York Red Bulls elevated his tally to an astonishing 764 goals. This achievement places him just ahead of Cristiano, who stands at 763 goals. Impressively, the Argentine star reached this milestone in 167 fewer games than his Portuguese counterpart.
Although neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo are currently contending for the Ballon d’Or, they continue to fuel their iconic rivalry through their ongoing influence on their respective teams. The Portuguese star recently extended his contract with Al Nassr for two additional years, setting the stage for him to potentially match or exceed the record now held by Messi.
Despite being overtaken as the highest goal scorer in soccer history when penalty kicks are excluded, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate as the top scorer in official competitions, boasting an impressive 938 goals across 1,280 games. This tally includes 175 penalty goals. Needing only 62 more goals to achieve the monumental 1,000-goal mark, he is on the cusp of setting an unprecedented milestone in the sport.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
Lionel Messi makes MLS history by matching stunning record with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi continues to impress with his remarkable performance at Inter Miami. This season, he has netted 18 goals, tying Sam Surridge as the league’s top scorer. Furthermore, Messi has made history by becoming the first player from his team to reach 30 assists, solidifying his status as both the team’s historic top scorer and assist leader. In doing so, he has also matched a significant league record, cementing his place in MLS history.
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Video: Lionel Messi scores a brace in Inter Miami’s 5-1 win over New York RB in MLS
In a standout performance against the New York Red Bulls, Lionel Messi etched his name in MLS history as the fifth player to achieve at least 35 goals and 25 assists over a two-year span. This remarkable feat further cements the Argentinean’s legacy in the league. Messi has not only maintained his competitive edge but is also on the hunt for his first league title with Inter Miami.
