Lionel Messi sets new record to overtake Cristiano Ronaldo in historic goal battle

At 38 years old, Messi continues to dominate. He now has 18 goals and 7 assists in just 18 MLS appearances this season. Against the Red Bulls, he not only scored twice but also assisted and was involved in a key buildup play, showcasing his unmatched influence on the field.

Lionel Messi has set a new benchmark in soccer history by becoming the all-time top scorer excluding penalty goals. The Inter Miami captain reached this milestone after scoring twice in his team’s 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in MLS play. With these two goals, Messi now has 764 non-penalty goals, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits at 763.

According to outlets like 433 and Mundo Deportivo, Messi reached this total in 167 fewer matches than the Portuguese star. At 38 years old, Messi continues to defy time. This season, he has tallied 18 goals and 7 assists in 18 MLS matches, playing a central role for an Inter Miami side that sits six points behind the Eastern Conference leaders, though with three games in hand due to their Club World Cup participation.

In the match against the Red Bulls, Messi’s influence went beyond just the goals. He also delivered an assist and was key in the build-up to Inter Miami’s third goal. The match started poorly for Miami after Alexander Hack opened the scoring, but Messi turned the tide. First, he played a through ball to Jordi Alba, who went one-on-one with the keeper.

Moments later, Messi repeated the move, setting up Alba to assist Telasco Segovia. His first goal came off a slick pass from Sergio Busquets and a composed finish around the goalkeeper. His second came from a Luis Suárez cross, which Messi expertly controlled and slotted home.

The match once again highlighted Messi’s ability to impact both the scoreboard and the team’s overall play. With this result, Javier Mascherano’s squad now has 12 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, and remains firmly in the playoff race.

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has 58 goals and 25 assists in 68 appearances, and this was his sixth brace in the last seven matches—he only failed to score in a 0–3 loss to Cincinnati FC. He’s now chasing his highest scoring calendar year since arriving in the U.S., after netting 28 goals in 2023 and 29 in 2024 (including his time with PSG).

Career totals

• 874 goals
• 386 assists
• 1,114 matches
  (Breakdown: Barcelona – 672G/269A/778 games; Argentina – 112G/58A/193 games; PSG – 32G/34A/75 games; Inter Miami – 58G/25A/68 games)

Messi’s goals by calendar year

1. 91 goals (2012)
2. 60 goals (2010)
3. 59 goals (2011)
4. 59 goals (2016)
5. 58 goals (2014)
6. 54 goals (2017)
7. 52 goals (2015)
8. 51 goals (2018)
9. 50 goals (2019)
10. 45 goals (2013)
11. 43 goals (2021)
12. 41 goals (2009)
13. 35 goals (2022)
14. 31 goals (2007)
15. 29 goals (2024)
16. 28 goals (2023)
17. 27 goals (2020)
18. 24 goals (2025)
19. 22 goals (2008)
20. 12 goals (2006)