Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo goal-scoring record

Across the globe, the senior professionals who shaped the childhoods of 90s kids are gradually retiring and bidding farewell to the game. Yet, on the other hand, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to push each other to new heights. In a recent milestone, Lionel Messi surpassed yet another record held by Ronaldo, becoming the first footballer in history to be the top scorer for three different teams. Messi now holds the record as the leading goal scorer for Barcelona, Argentina, and his current club, Inter Miami. 

The 37-year-old Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, scored a hat-trick in Inter Miami's 6-2 victory over New England Revolution, becoming the club's all-time leading goal scorer with 33 goals. In doing so, he surpassed Leonardo Campana, who previously held the record with 32 goals from 98 appearances. Remarkably, Messi achieved this milestone in just 36 games for the MLS side.

On Saturday, October 19th, former Barcelona star Lionel Messi came off the bench to inspire Inter Miami to a dominant victory. The Argentine talisman netted a hat-trick in the second half, helping the Florida-based club pull eight points clear of second-placed Columbus. Messi completed his hat-trick in just 32 minutes, with his first goal coming in the 78th minute and the final one in the 89th minute, securing his position as the team's all-time top scorer.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: A Comparison

With his goal in the 89th minute, Lionel Messi became the first footballer in history to be the top scorer for three different teams. In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record as the top scorer for two teams—Portugal and Real Madrid. While some may suggest that at 39, Ronaldo’s chances of matching Messi’s record are dwindling, he still has the opportunity to do so with his current club, Al-Nassr. 

Ronaldo has netted 67 goals for the Saudi Pro League side, while the club’s all-time top scorer, Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, holds the record with 121 goals. However, with Al-Sahlawi no longer playing for the club, Ronaldo has a clear path to continue his scoring momentum and potentially equal the tally. 

Lionel Messi: 

While Messi continues to top the charts for Inter Miami CF, he also holds the record as the all-time leading scorer for both his former club, Barcelona, and his national team, Argentina. Since his debut for Argentina in 2005, Messi has scored 112 goals in 133 appearances. 

For Barcelona, he found the back of the net 672 times across 778 appearances in all competitions, averaging a goal every 95 minutes. Additionally, with 269 assists to his name, Messi boasts an impressive average of contributing to a goal every 68 minutes. 

Cristiano Ronaldo:

The Portuguese international, Cristiano Ronaldo, has consistently topped the scoring charts for both country and clubs across Europe, and now continues to extend his dominance in the Middle East. For Portugal, Ronaldo has netted 133 goals in 215 appearances since his debut 21 years ago against Kazakhstan. His goal-scoring prowess has only grown since, earning him a record-breaking tally. During his nine seasons at Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored an astounding 450 goals in 438 appearances, averaging a goal every 84 minutes. With 120 assists to his name, his goal contribution averages out to every 66 minutes. Known as "Mr. Champions League," Ronaldo has scored 105 goals from 101 appearances in the prestigious competition, solidifying his legendary status.

Can Lionel Messi surpass Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable goal-scoring record?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been fierce rivals for over a decade and a half, competing for league titles and Champions League glory. In terms of individual records, however, Ronaldo still holds the edge. The Portuguese superstar has amassed a staggering 907 goals from 1,245 games across all leagues, countries, and competitions. In comparison, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi, has scored 849 goals in 1,078 games, just 58 goals shy of Ronaldo’s tally while having played 167 fewer matches.

As Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday and with his contract at Al-Nassr nearing its end, speculation is growing about where he might finish his career. Recent reports suggest he could extend his stay with the Saudi Pro League outfit, continuing his mission to promote football globally.

Ronaldo might also look at having a last hurrah with the Portuguese national team by having a go at the elusive World Cup. Meanwhile, Messi shows no signs of slowing down, setting the stage for an exciting final chapter in the careers of these two football icons and keeping fans captivated with their ongoing competition and remarkable quality.