Lionel Messi etched yet another record in his legendary career, scoring a stunning free-kick winner to guide Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The 37-year-old Argentine icon not only secured three crucial points for his side at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta but also became the top scorer in FIFA-sanctioned tournaments, surpassing Brazil’s Marta, who previously held the record with 24 goals.
Messi’s moment of magic came in the 54th minute, when he curled a trademark left-footed free kick over the wall and into the top-right corner, following a foul by Rodrigo Mora just outside the box. The crowd erupted as the ball nestled in the net, marking a goal that was as much art as it was history.
With this goal, Messi reached an unprecedented milestone of 25 goals across 10 different FIFA competitions, ranging from the 2005 U-20 World Cup to senior FIFA World Cups and Club World Cups—spanning a remarkable two decades of global dominance.
“I’m grateful to still be doing what I love at this level,” Messi said after the match. “Records are nice, but it’s about helping the team—and today, we did that.”
- Porto took the lead early through Samu Aghehowa’s penalty in the 8th minute.
- Telasco Segovia equalized for Inter Miami in the 47th minute, finishing a sharp cross from Marcelo Weigandt.
- Messi sealed the match with his iconic strike in the 54th minute, turning the game on its head.
Despite a sluggish start in their tournament opener—a 0-0 draw with Al Ahly—Inter Miami have now revived their campaign with Messi leading the charge.
- 25 total goals in FIFA competitions
- 10 different tournaments since 2005
- Surpasses Marta’s record (24 goals)
- Continues top form: 10 goals, 6 assists in 12 MLS matches this season
As fans in pink No. 10 jerseys roared in celebration, Messi once again proved why he remains the heart of world football. With his 38th birthday just weeks away, the legend continues to defy age, rewrite records, and deliver moments of brilliance that transcend sport.
