Messi Overtakes Ronaldo in Football History

Lionel Messi has broken another football record by beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-time record for the most non-penalty goals.

The 38-year-old Argentine superstar scored twice in Inter Miami’s 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS).

With these goals, Messi’s total number of non-penalty goals reached 764, one more than Ronaldo’s 763. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Messi achieved this in 167 fewer games.

In the match, Messi scored his first goal in the 32nd minute with a calm finish. He followed up with a beautiful curling shot in the 67th minute, showing his world-class skill once again.

This double also puts Messi at the top of the 2025 MLS Golden Boot race with Sam Surridge of Nashville SC, both players have scored 18 goals so far, according to MLSSoccer.com.

Since joining Inter Miami in mid-2023, Messi has been in incredible form. He has scored 58 goals and provided 26 assists in just 68 games. Out of those 58 goals, only two have come from penalties.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40 and playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has scored 93 goals and given 11 assists in 105 matches. However, 25 of his goals have been from the penalty spot.

Although both legends are in the later years of their careers and unlikely to win another Ballon d’Or, the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry is still alive and exciting for fans around the world.

Messi will next play in the MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX’s best players on July 23. Ronaldo is expected back with Al Nassr in August.