Lionel Messi has etched his name into the history books once again, becoming the all-time top scorer across all FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.
The Argentine superstar achieved this remarkable feat during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over FC Porto in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
In a thrilling encounter at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Messi delivered a trademark moment of brilliance, curling in a left-footed free-kick in the 54th minute to secure the win.
The goal not only marked Inter Miami’s first-ever win in the competition but also made Messi the highest scorer in the history of FIFA tournaments, with 25 goals to his name.
Previously, that record stood at 24, shared between Messi and Brazilian women’s football legend Marta. Messi now stands alone at the top, having scored across ten major FIFA tournaments over a span of 20 years.
He netted his first goal in 2005 at the U-20 World Cup when he was just 18. Now, at 37, he continues to defy time and set new benchmarks.
The goal against Porto was Messi’s sixth in Club World Cup, adding to his previous tallies with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011. His 13 goals in senior World Cups and six in U-20 edition round out his record-breaking total.
This latest achievement also places Messi ahead of some of football’s greatest names in FIFA event history.
Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário each scored 19 goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suárez both have 17.
Beyond FIFA tournaments, Messi’s stunning free-kick was the 68th of his career, ranking him third in all-time free-kick goals behind Juninho Pernambucano and Pelé.
It also marked his 50th goal for Inter Miami in just 61 appearances, further highlighting his ongoing influence at the highest level of the game.
Though Marta still holds the record for most goals in FIFA women’s tournaments, Messi’s latest strike places him alone at the summit of FIFA’s global scoring charts; a fitting milestone for one of football’s greatest ever players.
Messi's FIFA Tournament Goals Tally
FIFA World Cup (2006–2022): 13 goals
FIFA U-20 World Cup (2005): 6 goals
FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011, 2025): 6 goals
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