Messi’s Stunning Feat in Inter Miami Clash Leaves Ronaldo in the Shadows—What It Means for Their Legendary Rivalry

When you talk about the last twenty years of global soccer, two names inevitably steal the spotlight: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These two titans have relentlessly challenged one another, setting records and redefining what it means to be great. Now, with his latest goal against Minnesota United FC, Messi—the shining star of Inter Miami—has edged ahead in a critical stat, hitting a scoring milestone faster than his longtime rival. It’s a fierce rivalry that continues to captivate fans around the world.

That night in Minnesota wasn’t the fairy tale Inter Miami hoped for, though. The Herons came ready to reclaim their footing in the MLS standings but instead suffered their worst loss with Messi on the pitch. Minnesota wasted no time, striking twice before halftime. Messi’s precise finish off Jordi Alba’s cross after the break gave Miami hope, but the home squad pressed on, delivering two more goals to seal a crushing 4–1 result.

Still, amidst the disappointment, Messi’s goal was monumental. By netting that strike, he became the quickest in history to reach 860 official career goals—outpacing Ronaldo, who reached that mark in a more drawn-out fashion. Ronaldo’s 860th came via a dazzling free kick for Al Nassr late last year, but he did it at age 38 and after nearly 1,200 professional games. Messi, on the other hand, hit the milestone at 37 in just 1,098 matches.

The saga between these two legends rumbles on, with Ronaldo sitting at 934 goals overall, while Messi climbs steadily with 860. Both remain active, chasing their next big chapters as they near the sunset of extraordinary careers. You can’t help but admire the sheer tenacity and brilliance on display—hallmarks of soccer’s golden age.

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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined an era in global soccer, pushing each other to unprecedented heights for nearly two decades. With his latest goal against Minnesota United FC, the Inter Miami star has once again pulled ahead in one key category—reaching a remarkable scoring milestone faster than his longtime rival.

The Herons traveled to Minnesota for Matchday 12 of the 2025 MLS season looking to climb back into the league’s top positions. However, things didn’t go according to plan, as Inter Miami endured their worst defeat with Messi on the field.

Minnesota took control early, scoring twice in the first half. Shortly after the break, Messi finished off a sharp attacking move with a goal off a pinpoint cross from Jordi Alba to cut the deficit. But the hosts responded with two more goals, handing Miami a heavy 4–1 loss.

Messi sets historic goal milestone despite defeat

Despite the result, Messi’s lone goal was historic. With it, he became the fastest player in history to reach 860 official career goals. While both he and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only players to reach that mark, Messi hit it earlier—and did so more efficiently.

Ronaldo notched his 860th goal with a stunning free kick during Al Nassr’s 2–1 win over Damac in the Saudi Pro League on October 21, 2023. He was 38 years old and playing in his 1,189th official match.

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Messi, by comparison, scored his 860th goal in his 1,098th game—91 matches fewer than Ronaldo. He also did it at age 37, nearly a year younger than Ronaldo at the time of his achievement.

The two legends continue to lead the all-time scoring charts. Ronaldo stands at 934 goals in 1,276 official matches (0.73 goals per game), while Messi now has 860 in 1,098 (0.78 goals per game). As the Portuguese star continues his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone, both players remain active and historic figures in the twilight of their careers.