Lionel Messi Now Stands Alone With Most Non Penalty Goals in Fútbol History

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Lionel Messi has once again shifted the narrative in global fútbol by reaching 764 career goals excluding penalties, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo in this specific category. The milestone was reached during Inter Miami’s 5 to 1 victory over New York Red Bulls, where Messi scored twice and assisted once, extending his influence on both his team’s performance and the broader history of the game. He achieved this total in 167 fewer matches than the Portuguese forward, according to statistical outlets such as 433 and Mundo Deportivo.

According to ESPN, his performance took place in the context of a Major League Soccer season where Inter Miami continues to chase the top of the Eastern Conference. Despite having played fewer matches due to Club World Cup scheduling, Messi’s presence has kept the team within reach of the leaders. His individual tally this season includes 18 goals and 7 assists across 18 league appearances.

Messi’s Impact Shapes the Match From Start to Finish

The match did not begin in Miami’s favor. Alexander Hack opened the scoring for New York, placing early pressure on the home side. Messi responded with control and timing, first connecting with Jordi Alba to create a one-on-one situation and then once again working with Alba to set up Telasco Segovia for Miami’s second goal. His first goal came following a pass from Sergio Busquets, which Messi converted after maneuvering past the goalkeeper. His second goal closed the match after he received a cross from Luis Suárez, controlled the ball, and scored with accuracy.

The Argentine forward continues to shape Miami’s offensive structure with a level of consistency that few players sustain after such a long career. Manager Javier Mascherano described Messi as part of a small group of athletes whose contributions go far beyond match outcomes. Messi’s positioning, control, and ability to connect passes under pressure continue to define the rhythm of Inter Miami’s attack.

Statistical Strength in the United States and Across Clubs

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has scored 58 goals and delivered 25 assists in 68 matches. His performance against New York included his sixth multi-goal match in his last seven appearances, a stretch interrupted only by a defeat to Cincinnati. With 12 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, Inter Miami remains in position to qualify for the playoffs, with Messi’s presence as the central influence in that pursuit.

Across his professional career, Messi now totals 874 goals and 386 assists in 1,114 matches. These numbers reflect his time at Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, and the Argentine national team. At Barcelona, he scored 672 goals and assisted 269 times in 778 matches. In Paris, he added 32 goals and 34 assists. With Argentina, he has recorded 112 goals and 58 assists in 193 appearances.

His performance in 2025 already includes 24 goals for club and country. He is approaching his annual scoring records from 2023 and 2024, where he reached 28 and 29 goals respectively. At age 38, Messi continues to chase new benchmarks without showing signs of decline.

The Road Ahead for Lionel Messi

Although his participation with the Argentine national team this year has been limited, Messi is scheduled to take part in the final two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Venezuela and Ecuador. Argentina has already secured its place in the tournament, allowing the coaching staff to manage minutes for key players. Messi is also expected to feature in upcoming friendly matches and in the Leagues Cup, where Inter Miami will compete against clubs from Mexico and the United States.

With his total goal count now nearing 900, Messi remains close behind Ronaldo, who has scored 938 goals across 1,281 appearances. However, Messi’s advantage in non-penalty goals offers a different lens on scoring efficiency and the conditions in which goals are produced. That distinction, combined with fewer total matches played, speaks to a level of precision and durability that continues to define his presence on the field.

The path ahead for Inter Miami includes additional league matches and cup competitions, all of which offer Messi continued opportunity to expand on a record that already spans nearly two decades and multiple continents. His current run affirms that influence and achievement are not bound by age or league and that fútbol remains open to evolution, even when shaped by its most familiar figures.

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