Lionel Messi surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most non-penalty goals following his brace for Inter Miami and NY Red Bulls in the MLS on Sunday. Messi scored his 764th non-penalty to go clear of the Portuguese talisman Ronaldo’s record of 763 strikes. Remarkably, the World Cup-winner achieved the feat in 167 fewer games.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi netted a brace against the New York Red Bulls Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Harrison, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Messi struck twice in the second half to help his side to a 5-1 win at the Red Bull Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Messi shattered Cristiano Ronaldo’s non-penalty goal record as the Argentine genius too his tally to an awe-inspiring 764 goals with his sixth double in the last seven MLS games. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Messi achieved the feat in 167 fewer games as compared to Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Messi latched onto a long through ball from Sergio Busquets before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into an empty net to bag his 763rd non-penalty goal and go on level with the Portuguese forward. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
And before the night was over, the man from Rosario found the back of the net yet again as he chested a cross down before sending a bulge into the net. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Messi’s 75th minute strike vs the Red Bulls proved to be his 764th non-penalty as he went beyond Ronaldo’s count. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Messi’s brace helped Inter Miami bounce back from a 0-3 hammering they suffered against FC Cincinnati earlier in the week. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
