Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is playing the FIFA Club World Cup for the fourth time. He won the previous three times with Barcelona. However, the format of the Club World Cup was old and there were fewer competitors. This is the first time that the FIFA Club World Cup has been organized with 32 teams from seven teams in an unprecedented decision. Messi set a world record for goals in the second match of the current season.
Inter Miami defeated Portuguese club Porto 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday night, marking the Florida team’s first victory in the Club World Cup. Messi scored a magical goal in the victory. He scored the winning goal for Miami with an iconic free kick with his left foot. This has put LM Ten’s name in several record books.
The highest individual goal tally in the history of all FIFA tournaments is now 25. Until now, that number was 24, which was jointly held by Messi and Brazilian legend Marta. Today, the Albiceleste superstar surpassed him. Messi has played in a total of 10 global tournaments in 20 years. Messi scored his first goal in a FIFA tournament in the 2005 Youth World Cup. When he was only 18 years old. Now at the age of 37, he has scored the 25th highest goal in a FIFA event.
The best footballer in the history of women’s football is considered to be Seleção forward Marta. She also held the record for the most goals in a FIFA event with Messi. Although she lost that, Marta still holds the record for the most goals in a FIFA women’s tournament. On the other hand, Messi already holds the record for the most goals in a FIFA event for men, to which he has now added another number. After him on this list are Brazilian legend Ronaldinho (19), Ronaldo Nazario (19), Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (17) and former Uruguayan star Luis Suarez (17).
Messi is also in the top three in the number of free-kick goals in professional football. The goal Messi scored for Miami in the 54th minute today was his 68th from a free-kick. Only two people are above him in this respect – Juninho Pernambucano (77) and one of the greatest footballers in history and Brazilian legend Pele (70). In addition, Messi has completed a half-century of goals for Miami. He scored his 50th goal in 61 matches today. And his sixth goal in 7 matches at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Messi’s goal at a FIFA event
- World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022): 13
- Under-20 World Cup (2005): 6
- Club World Cup (2009 and 2011 with Barcelona and 2025 with Inter Miami): 6
FAQ
What is Messi’s world record in FIFA tournaments?
Lionel Messi holds the world record for scoring the most goals in official FIFA tournaments across all levels (including youth, senior World Cup, Club World Cup, etc.).
How many FIFA tournament goals has Messi scored?
As of 2025, Messi has scored over 26 goals in FIFA-organized tournaments, which includes the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup.
Did Messi break any specific player’s record?
Yes, Messi surpassed the previous record held by players like Miroslav Klose (World Cup goals) and others in combined FIFA tournament goals.
What makes this record special?
This record highlights Messi’s consistent performance at the highest level of international football over nearly two decades.
Has any other player come close to Messi’s FIFA goal tally?
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Miroslav Klose, and Pelé have high FIFA goal counts, but Messi currently leads overall across all FIFA events.
