Lionel Messi has officially etched his name into football history as the all-time leading goalscorer in official FIFA tournaments. With a remarkable total of 25 goals across various FIFA competitions. This record-breaking milestone came as Messi scored a stunning free-kick in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over FC Porto at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The goal not only secured Inter Miami’s historic win but also moved Messi past Brazilian legend Marta (24 goals), setting a new all-time record in both men’s and women’s FIFA-sanctioned competitions.
20 Years of Dominance in FIFA Competitions
In the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Messi began his climb to the top of the standings by scoring six goals and leading Argentina to victory. Over time, he has continued to be a brilliant figure on the global scene:
- 13 FIFA World Cup goals between 2006 and 2022, including a brace against France in the 2022 final.
- 5 goals in FIFA Club World Cups (2009, 2011, and 2025).
- 1 goal in the 2008 Olympic Games (not counted in this FIFA tally).
- No participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
This consistent output across multiple competitions highlights Messi’s sustained excellence and adaptability over a span of two decades, an unmatched feat in modern football.
The Historic 25th Goal
Messi’s landmark 25th goal came in trademark fashion. With Inter Miami level at 1-1 against FC Porto, the Argentine maestro delivered a curling free-kick into the top corner in the 77th minute, sealing the win for the MLS side. The goal marked:
- His first goal in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
- It was his 50th goal in just 61 games for Inter Miami.
- The record-breaking 25th goal in official FIFA competitions.
The moment not only confirmed Messi’s status as the greatest in the modern era but also served as a decisive blow in a fiercely contested knockout match.
How Messi Compares to Cristiano Ronaldo
While Cristiano Ronaldo has also enjoyed tremendous success in FIFA competitions, his total stands at 17 goals, broken down as follows:
- 8 goals in FIFA World Cups.
- 2 goals in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
- 7 goals in FIFA Club World Cups.
Despite Ronaldo’s own legacy, Messi now holds a commanding 8-goal lead in official FIFA tournaments, a gap that seems insurmountable given Ronaldo’s age and international status. Messi has also demonstrated his longevity by scoring goals over a longer time span and in a wider variety of tournaments.
More Records Still to Break
With Inter Miami advancing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Messi has the chance to break additional records, including:
- Becoming the top scorer in Club World Cup history (currently tied with Ronaldo at 7 goals; Messi has 5).
- Becoming the oldest player to score in the tournament (current record: Javier Zanetti at 37 years, 4 months. Messi is now 38).
- Matching or surpassing Ronaldo in total Golden Ball podiums at the Club World Cup (Ronaldo: 4; Messi: 3).
There are still two games in the competition, so the options are still very much up in the air.
Legacy Cemented
This record adds to Messi’s extraordinary collection of achievements, which already includes:
- 8 Ballon d’Or titles.
- Over 800 career goals.
- 44 trophies for club and country.
- A 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
- 4 Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona.
What makes this latest milestone even more special is Messi’s ability to perform at the highest level well into his late 30s, defying the typical decline of elite athletes.
As the football world watches the twilight of a generational icon, one thing is clear: Lionel Messi’s legend is still growing. And with more matches to come in the 2025 Club World Cup, we may yet see history rewritten again.