Lionel Messi Makes History with 700 Non-Penalty Goals on US Debut

In a remarkable debut game in the United States, Lionel Messi etched his name in history as the first player ever to score 700 goals that did not involve penalty kicks.

Representing Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, Messi’s exceptional performance helped secure a thrilling victory against Cruz Azul of Mexico in the League Cup.

A Landmark Achievement

During his first game for Miami club Inter, Lionel Messi achieved a milestone that distinguishes him from other footballers.

Scoring his 700th career goal without a penalty kick, he displayed his brilliance and impact on the sport.

The 36-year-old superstar stunned the crowd in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a sensational free-kick goal from outside the box, securing a dramatic win for his team against Cruz Azul in the last seconds of the second half.

Messi vs. Ronaldo: A Goal-Scoring Battle

A comparison with his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, reveals Messi’s dominance in non-penalty goal scoring.

While Ronaldo scores a non-penalty goal every 138 minutes, Messi outperforms him, finding the net every 121 minutes.

Presently, Ronaldo, with 686 points, stands second in the standings, representing the Saudi club Al Nassr. In a bid to extend his lead over Ronaldo, Messi is eager to participate in as many MLS matches as possible.

Goals Across Nations

Lionel Messi’s incredible 700 goals are distributed between his club and international appearances.

Among the 700, 621 were scored for the teams he played for, while the remaining 79 were netted while representing Argentina.

It’s worth noting that Ronaldo holds the lead in this category, having scored 105 goals away from the penalty spot.

Moreover, Messi’s impressive record includes 111 goals in regular UEFA Champions League competition and 74 goals in various club tournaments, surpassing Ronaldo’s career total of 409 goals.

Messi’s Post-Match Interview

Following his momentous 700th goal, Messi graciously shared his thoughts in an interview with Apple TV. He expressed, “What I saw was the goal.

When I spotted the net, I just knew that I had to make a goal.” He also reminisced about the significance of his first game, stating, “It was the last play of the game, and I wanted to score so that we didn’t go to penalties.” The victory in the League Cup is a tremendous confidence boost for the team, especially in this new tournament format.

Messi’s New Chapter

Having recently departed Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, Lionel Messi made a bold move to join Inter Miami.

His time in European clubs was a remarkable success, with victories in every competition he participated in.

Additionally, as a member of the Argentine team, he celebrated victory in the FIFA World Cup championship. Now, with the triumph in the United States, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner finds himself in an exciting new phase of his career, aiming for more triumphs and successes in the MLS.