Messi finished the MLS regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists to become the all-time leading goal-scorer of Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s rivalry is in its final stages but still has the spark. Both legendary footballers achieved glory and set new records despite leaving European football. The Miami forward set a new record during the outstanding MLS season 2024.
Lionel Messi completed 850 career goals which is a huge achievement. Ronaldo already crossed this mark and has 908 career goals. However, the Argentine reached 850 goals in 1,081 official matches, compared to Ronaldo’s 1,179. Messi is now the quickest player in football to reach 850 goals.
The Barcelona legend finished the MLS regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists. He also became the all-time leading goal-scorer of Inter Miami. Messi helped Inter Miami to finish at the top of the table in the regular season with 74 points. Despite all, Messi failed to prevent the defeat in the MLS Cup Playoffs as his side lost to Atlanta United in the opening round. The Argentine scored the second goal which was the equaliser but Atlanta had the last laugh with a 2-3 scoreline.
Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry was at its peak during their time in La Liga. Both appeared in many El Clasico games and had great memories. Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in December 2022 and Messi signed with Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. This is how both ended their European club-football journey.
Ronaldo is currently the highest leading goal-scorer with 908 official goals and the Al Nassr forward is looking to reach the figure of 1000. He earlier said, “If I get to 1,000 goals, great. But even if I don’t, I am the player with the most official goals in history.”
Lionel Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or titles compared to Ronaldo’s five. The Barca legend has also won eight FIFA World’s Best Player awards and the Al Nassr forward has five. Messi has six European Golden Shoes compared to the Portugal star’s four. Messi is ahead in individual achievements.
If we discuss the team glories, Messi has a big edge in the World Cup trophy. The 37-year-old won his first-ever FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022. Messi also have two Copa America titles compared to Ronaldo’s one Euro title. Ronaldo has more Champions League trophies than Messi.
Ronaldo and Messi have faced each other 37 times overall, 35 in club football and 2 times in internationals. Messi takes the big edge in club matches with 16 wins, nine draws and 10 defeats. Messi and Ronaldo have one win each in two international friendlies between Portugal and Argentina. It’s been a long time since they have faced other in any competitive game.
