Miami: At 38 years old, when most footballers are long retired, Lionel Messi continues redefining the sport. The Argentina legend reached an unprecedented 1,300 career goal contributions on Sunday after producing a stunning performance to guide Inter Miami to a 4–0 victory over FC Cincinnati, securing a place in the Eastern Conference Final.
Messi, who had been goalless in his previous three matches against Cincinnati, finally broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner rose to meet Mateo Silvetti’s cross with a precise header to give Miami the early advantage.
The goal opened the floodgates. Messi then supplied three assists, setting up Tadeo Allende for a brace and creating another for Silvetti in a commanding display at TQL Stadium. His trio of assists also allowed him to tie Ferenc Puskás for the most assists recorded in football history.
Messi becomes the first player with 1,300 goal contributions
With Sunday’s performance, Messi reached a historic milestone no player has ever touched:
1,300 goal contributions (896 goals, 404 assists) since his 2004 Barcelona debut.
He shared his excitement on social media after the match, writing:
“LET’S GOOOO!!! Great match from the whole team against a rival that had always given us so much trouble. One step closer…”
Inter Miami will now face the winner of Philadelphia vs— in the Eastern Conference Final.
Ronaldo comparison: Messi pull further ahead
The achievement also fuels the ever-present comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Al-Nassr star recently hit the headlines with a bicycle kick and currently sits at 1,213 goal contributions—87 behind Messi.
Career contribution comparison:
Messi: 1,300 in 1,135 appearances
Ronaldo: 1,213 in 1,298 appearances
Ronaldo is now just 46 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal landmark.
Breakdown of Messi’s 1,300 goal contributions
FC Barcelona — 941 contributions
672 goals
269 assists
Paris Saint-Germain — 66 contributions
32 goals
34 assists
Inter Miami — 117 contributions
78 goals
39 assists
Argentina — 176 contributions
114 goals
62 assists
Messi’s latest milestone only adds to his already unmatched legacy — and he shows no signs of slowing down.
