Lionel Messi’s perfect record: Never failed to reach knockouts in any major tournament

The Argentine star created another mark when he led Inter Miami to the round of 16 of CWC

Lionel Messi’s legacy is still growing, and now he has continued his incredible record of always reaching the knockout rounds from the group stage of all major tournaments he has competed in.

The Argentine celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday, and prior to that day, he led the Herons to the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where they will face European Champions Paris Saint-Germain.

In their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup match, the Herons, captained by the Argentine star, advanced to the next round after drawing with Palmeiras of Brazil on Monday.

Palmeiras and Javier Mascherano’s team drew 2-2, with the American team spending a large portion of the game near the top of the table.

Tadeo Allende gave Inter Miami the lead in the sixteenth minute. Luis Suarez gave the Miami team their second goal in the second half, ensuring that they would advance to the round of sixteen.

The ‘Verdao’ scored goals in the 80th and 87th minutes to win the match and drop Mascherano’s squad to second place in the table after Messi and his club had led for 20 minutes.

The 38-year-old Argentine sensation has maintained his perfect record at this point by navigating his side from the group stage once more has seen him maintain his perfect record in those matches.

Whether playing for the Argentina national team at the senior and youth levels or in club competitions with Barcelona, PSG, and Miami, Messi’s side has never been knocked out.

When only professional competitions are taken into account, Messi has progressed through all 33 of his group stage tournament appearances. These include the recent FIFA Club World Cup (one out of one), the Leagues Cup (one out of one), the World Cup (five out of five), the Copa America (seven out of seven), and the Champions League (19 out of 19).

Lionel Messi’s record in the group stages

• 33 tournaments
• 33 Surpassed
• 252 matches
• 252 goals generated (185G + 67A)
• 162 wins (64.28%)
• 58 draws (23.02%)
• 32 defeats (12.7%)

Qualified from the group stage with club & country

• Barcelona: 17 out of 17
• PSG: 2 out of 2
• Inter Miami: 2 out of 2
• Argentina: 12 out of 12

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