Lionel Messi surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo in most non-penalty goals

The Argentine magician has scored 12 goals in the last seven MLS matches for Inter Miami.

Even though Lionel Messi is no longer in the same division as Cristiano Ronaldo, the Argentine continues to break Ronaldo’s records.

Inter Miami defeated the New York Red Bulls 5-1 on Saturday, and Messi, 38, scored his sixth brace in seven MLS games. However, it was the mark he reached during the game that brought Ronaldo into the discussion.

Lionel Messi breaks Ronaldo’s record

Both goals on Saturday were scored in open play, bringing his career total of non-penalty goals to 764, surpassing Ronaldo’s 763 goals. Moreover, Messi did these in 167 fewer games.

Simultaneously, the goals put him on even with Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge for the MLS Golden Boot. Both players share a total of 18 goals for the campaign.

Messi’s tally since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 has increased to 58 goals and 26 assists in 68 games, thanks to his goals against the Red Bulls.

Although Ronaldo’s 93 goals and 11 assists in 105 matches with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr are far more impressive than that, Messi has only netted two penalties while Ronaldo has 25 penalty kicks from his time outside Europe.

Even though rivalry has subsided between the players, the history and competition between the two for the title of best of all time is still fierce. Even though neither is likely to ever be mentioned in the Ballon d’Or discussion again, they are still setting standards for other players to chase.

Messi on his relationship with Ronaldo

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have, because he’s still competing at the highest level,” Messi said in June.

“The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field… Off the pitch, we are two normal people. We’re not friends obviously because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.”

In an exhibition match against the top teams in Liga MX later this week, Messi will make his comeback to the field with the MLS All-Stars, while Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will play in the Saudi Pro League again in August.

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