Legendary Lionel Messi overtook Cristiano Ronaldo in an elite feat with Inter Miami thrashing NY Red Bulls 5-1 in Major League Soccer on Sunday, July 20. Messi’s surge in the last 8 games in the MLS helped him overtake his rival in the number of non-penalty goals scored in football.
The brace against NY Red Bulls helped Messi take his tally of non-penalty goals up to 764, one more than Ronaldo. Messi has played 167 fewer matches than his rival and was still able to achieve the incredible number.
The legendary Argentine, now 38, has a total of 874 goals in his career against Ronaldo’s 938, but as mentioned before, has played 167 games fewer than him. Messi, however, is much ahead of Ronaldo in terms of assists. He has 386 against Ronaldo’s 257.
Messi’s recent rise in form has seen him score 6 braces in the last 8 games. Messi has scored 13 goals and 5 assists in the last 8 games helping Inter Miami stay at the top five positions in the Eastern Conference table. Miami are placed in the 5th spot with 41 points in 21 games. Miami have played 3 games less than the top 4 clubs. If they win all of them, they would surge over the competition and take the top spot in the league.
Messi vs Ronaldo in Stats (As of July 20, 2025)
Goals
- Messi: 874
- Ronaldo: 938
Assists
- Messi: 386
- Ronaldo: 257
Penalties
- Messi: 110
- Ronaldo: 175
Freekicks
- Messi: 69
- Ronaldo: 64
Player of the Match Awards
- Messi: 425
- Ronaldo: 220
While Lionel Messi has found his second innings in the MLS, Ronaldo continues to help the Saudi Arabian footballers improve themselves in the Pro League. Last season Ronaldo scored 25 goals in the Saudi Pro League. despite rumours that the club wanted the player out. However, Ronaldo penned a new 2-year deal with the side on June 26.