Football history was rewritten on Sunday evening as Lionel Messi became the first player to achieve 1,300 career goal contributions.
The 38-year-old Argentine maestro reached this unprecedented milestone during Inter Miami's emphatic 4-0 triumph against FC Cincinnati.
The victory propelled the Florida-based club into their maiden Eastern Conference final. Messi's remarkable tally now stands at 896 goals and 404 assists accumulated throughout his illustrious career.
His performance against Cincinnati showcased the enduring brilliance that has defined his two-decade journey at football's summit.
Lionel Messi has reached 1,300 goal contributions, more than any other player
|REUTERS
The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient demonstrated once again why he remains peerless in the sport's modern era.
This achievement arrives at an age when most professionals have long since retired from elite competition.
Breaking a three-match scoring drought against Cincinnati, Messi found the net in the 19th minute with a header from Mateo Silvetti's delivery. The Argentine subsequently orchestrated the remainder of the rout with three assists.
He set up Silvetti for one goal whilst providing Tadeo Allende with two opportunities to complete his brace. The performance prompted an enthusiastic response from Messi on social media.
"LET'S GOOOO!!! Great match from the whole team against a rival that had always given us so much trouble. One step closer…," the veteran posted following the comprehensive victory.
Lionel Messi has been in firing form for Inter Miami
|REUTERS
His display at TQL Stadium exemplified the playmaking prowess that continues to distinguish him from his contemporaries.
The veteran's display established a new MLS playoff benchmark with twelve goal contributions across the post-season campaign. This surpasses any previous single playoff performance in the league's history.
His efficiency remains extraordinary, having accumulated his 1,300 contributions across merely 1,135 appearances. This translates to 1.145 contributions per match throughout his career.
By comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed 1,213 contributions comprising 954 goals and 259 assists. The Portuguese required 1,298 matches to reach his current tally.
Messi's assist total now matches Ferenc Puskas's historic record. The Hungarian legend's mark had stood unchallenged for decades until Sunday's performance in Ohio.
These statistics underscore the Argentine's sustained excellence across two decades of professional football.
Lionel Messi vs Cincinnati
— MessiMania (@M10Update) November 24, 2025
The Greatest of All Time.pic.twitter.com/hHyMA87l7X
Inter Miami will contest the Eastern Conference final against either New York City FC or Philadelphia Union this Saturday. The victors will progress to the MLS Cup final on 6 December.
The Florida franchise, co-owned by Sir David Beckham, has assembled a formidable squad featuring former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Lionel Messi is looking to lead Inter Miami to glory in the MLS Cup
|REUTERS
Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano manages the star-studded ensemble.
Messi recently pledged his future to the club with a three-year contract extension last month. This commitment will see him continue playing until age 41 and lead the team into their new Miami Freedom Park stadium scheduled to open in April 2026.