Lionel Messi added another two goals to his extraordinary career tally on Saturday, steering Inter Miami CF to a 3-2 win away at the Colorado Rapids in front of a large crowd at Empower Field. The result extended the Florida club’s unbeaten run to seven matches and further strengthened their away form this season.
Messi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, converting from the penalty spot to give Inter Miami an early lead. Germán Berterame then doubled the advantage with a composed finish just before halftime, completing a fluid attacking move. The Rapids mounted a response after the break, with Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi netting in quick succession to level the contest at 2-2 and set up a tense finale.
With the score tied and the game in the balance, Messi produced the decisive contribution in the 79th minute. Cutting in from the right flank, the Argentine curled a shot into the top corner to restore Inter Miami’s lead and seal all three points. It was the type of intervention that has defined his career across more than two decades at the highest level.
The brace pushed Messi’s verified career goal tally to 905, across all club and international appearances. Cristiano Ronaldo remains ahead with 968 career goals, a record the Portuguese forward has accumulated over spells at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. The gap between the two, once considered insurmountable, has continued to close as Messi maintains a consistent scoring rate in Major League Soccer.
Messi, now 38, joined Inter Miami in July 2023 following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing immediate attention and commercial interest to MLS. His arrival transformed the club’s profile globally, and on the pitch his contributions have been central to Miami’s competitive performances in recent seasons.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has continued adding to his own tally with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, meaning the final margin between the two — if Messi were ever to draw level or surpass him — remains difficult to predict. Both players continue to feature regularly for their respective clubs, ensuring the statistical competition between two of football’s most decorated individuals remains live.
For Inter Miami, the win over Colorado keeps their momentum intact heading into the remainder of the MLS regular season. With Messi in this form and the squad’s unbeaten run now stretching to seven games, the club will be confident of sustaining a strong challenge as the season progresses.
