On July 19, 2025, Lionel Messi once again etched his name into soccer history by becoming the all-time top scorer excluding penalty goals, reaching an astonishing 764 non-penalty goals. This milestone was achieved during Inter Miami's commanding 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS), where Messi scored twice and assisted another, showcasing his enduring brilliance at 38 years old.
Messi’s achievement surpasses that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds 763 non-penalty goals, but what makes this feat even more remarkable is that Messi reached this total in 167 fewer matches than the Portuguese star. This statistic highlights not only Messi’s prolific scoring ability but also his efficiency and consistency over a career spanning more than a decade at the highest levels of the sport.
In the match against the Red Bulls, Messi’s impact was unmistakable. Despite Miami conceding the opening goal to Alexander Hack, Messi orchestrated a stunning comeback. Early in the game, he played a precise through ball to Jordi Alba, setting up a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper. Moments later, Messi repeated the move, assisting Alba in setting up Telasco Segovia’s goal. His first goal came after a slick pass from Sergio Busquets, which Messi finished with calm precision around the goalkeeper. The second was a masterclass in control and composure, as he expertly converted a cross from Luis Suárez.
Beyond the goals, Messi’s overall performance was dominant. He recorded the highest expected goals (xG) on the pitch with 1.8, took the most shots (five), had the most touches in the opposition box (11), the most final-third entries (nine), and created the most chances (four). This level of involvement underscores how Messi continues to be the heartbeat of Inter Miami’s attack.
Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami’s head coach and former teammate of Messi at Barcelona and Argentina, praised the Argentine superstar’s influence on and off the pitch. "I was with him for eight years at Barcelona, with the national team, at airports, hotels—especially in places he hasn't visited often, people go crazy," Mascherano said. "He generates all of this. I think the admiration is total, but it's not just because of the kind of footballer he is. I think he's a role model, someone who transcends the sport." Mascherano went further, comparing Messi to legends from other sports, saying, "Any sports fan feels admiration for athletes like Messi, Michael Jordan, Rafael Nadal—people who have made history in their sport. We are very privileged to witness this up close."
Inter Miami’s current standing reflects their competitive edge, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points, seven behind leaders FC Cincinnati. However, they hold three games in hand due to their participation in the Club World Cup, which could prove decisive as the season progresses. Miami’s recent form has been strong, with a record of 12 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses. Messi himself has been in phenomenal scoring form, netting 18 goals and providing 7 assists in 18 MLS matches this season, tying for the league lead with Sam Surridge.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has amassed 58 goals and 25 assists in just 68 appearances, with this match marking his sixth brace in the last seven games. The only time he failed to score recently was in a 0-3 loss to Cincinnati FC. His career totals are staggering: 874 goals, 386 assists across 1,114 matches. Breaking down his club and international career, Messi scored 672 goals and 269 assists in 778 games for Barcelona, 112 goals and 58 assists in 193 games for Argentina, 32 goals and 34 assists in 75 games for PSG, and 58 goals with 25 assists in 68 appearances so far for Inter Miami.
Looking at Messi's scoring by calendar year, his highest was an incredible 91 goals in 2012. In recent years, he has maintained remarkable consistency with 28 goals in 2023, 29 in 2024 (including his time with PSG), and 24 goals so far in 2025.
Despite the offensive fireworks, Mascherano highlighted defensive concerns ahead of a busy end to the MLS season. Miami has not kept a clean sheet since a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew on April 19, 2025, enduring 13 matches without a shutout. "This was a difficult period with all the travel and little rest—the match against Cincinnati reflected our fatigue," Mascherano noted. "Now we have a long week, and we'll use it to let the guys who are the most tired get some rest. If you want to be competitive, you have to be very solid defensively. We've been okay, but we need to improve."
Miami’s defensive struggles were evident in their 3-0 loss to Cincinnati, which ended a three-game winning streak. However, the emphatic victory against the Red Bulls showed the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back quickly. With the MLS scheduled to pause for the Leagues Cup from the end of July, Miami will have a crucial window to regroup and strengthen their defensive organization.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Messi, who continues to defy age and expectations. His ability to score, create, and inspire his teammates makes him a unique figure in modern soccer. The milestone of becoming the all-time top scorer excluding penalties is just another chapter in a career that has already redefined greatness.
Inter Miami’s journey this season, fueled by Messi’s brilliance and Mascherano’s leadership, promises to be a compelling story as they chase playoff success and aim to build on their recent momentum. With the team poised just behind the conference leaders and possessing games in hand, the coming weeks will be critical for their ambitions.
Messi’s legacy continues to grow, not only through records and statistics but also through the profound impact he has on fans and players worldwide. As Mascherano aptly put it, Messi transcends football—he is a global sporting icon whose influence extends far beyond the pitch.
