Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

FIFA Makes Historic Lionel Messi Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 9:47 AM ET

On Thursday, Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi reminded the world how quickly he can decide a match by scoring a game-winning free kick goal against FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Inter Miami's 2-1 win over the Portuguese side was the first win by an MLS team against a European opponent in history.

It took the Herons into second place in Group A after two matches, level with Palmeiras on four points but behind on goal difference heading into the final group stage match.

The goal made personal history for Messi as well. It was the 68th direct free kick goal of his career, the third-most in soccer history. It was his 50th goal in all competitions for Inter Miami in 61 appearances since he arrived in the United States in 2023.

REF CAM: best view in the house to witness Messi greatness

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP pic.twitter.com/ML6YTXmaLC
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025

While it was IMCF's first appearance in the competition, Messi is no stranger to scoring in the Club World Cup.

He previously scored five goals for FC Barcelona in the FIFA-sanctioned tournament, which he won with his former club in 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Those tallies are a part of another record Messi holds, announced by FIFA after Thursday's match: He is the top goalscorer in the history of men's FIFA competitions.

Lionel Messi, the top goalscorer in FIFA competition history pic.twitter.com/VHjJXHlpi3
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 19, 2025

Messi's 25 goals in 10 FIFA tournaments over the years include 13 in the World Cup finals.

He was Argentina's hero with seven goals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, sealing his first World Cup with two goals in the final against France.

The stat posted by FIFA also includes tournaments like the Club World Cup and the FIFA World Youth Championship, where he scored his first back in 2005.

These are the top five goalscorers in FIFA competitions all-time, as of Thursday:

Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 25
Ronaldinho (Brazil) — 19
Ronaldo (Brazil) — 19
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — 17
Luis Suarez (Uruguay) — 17

Messi and Suarez will have a chance to climb the charts throughout the rest of the Club World Cup. A draw or a win against Palmeiras on Monday would secure Inter Miami's spot in the round of 16.

In less than a year, Messi will have his eyes on more FIFA goals when the World Cup comes to the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026. Defending champion Argentina has already qualified for the tournament.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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