Lionel Messi beats Cristiano Ronaldo to set new record after scoring during MLS Cup defeat to Atlanta United

Lionel Messi beat Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to set a goalscoring record after Inter Miami's recent 3-2 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup playoff loss against Atlanta United.

Earlier this Saturday (November 9), Messi scored Inter Miami's second goal in the 65th minute of the tie at Chase Stadium. However, his heroics could not prevent a 76th-minute winning goal from Atlanta United.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's recent goal was his 850th for club and country. According to ESPN, he became the fastest (1081 outings across all competitions) and the youngest (37) player to ever do so.

Ronaldo, who will turn 40 next February, previously held the aforesaid record with 850 career goals in 1179 appearances in all competitions.

Messi, who helped Inter Miami win the MLS Supporters' Shield 2024, bagged 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona. He also scored 32 goals in 75 outings for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has bagged 34 goals in 39 matches for his current club. He has also found the back of the opposition net 112 times in 189 appearances for Argentina.

Arne Slot backs Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Earlier this month, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot stated that Mohamed Salah can defy his age and maintain his world-class level like both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He said (h/t The Guardian):

"There is no reason at the moment to think that he is dropping in terms of level. That's not what you see when you look at his numbers or what you see when he plays. I don't know how to say this in English, but I cannot tell you how the future will look like."

Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in the dugout earlier this May, added:

"Cristiano Ronaldo, what age is he at the moment? [39]. Messi is still incredible [at 37]. But there are also players like me who weren't as good any more at 33, not that I was so good at 26. I don't know what the future brings but I do know Mo is in a very good place."

Salah, who turned 32 earlier this June, is arguably one of the most in-form players in the world now. He has bagged 10 goals and laid out 10 assists in just 17 outings across competitions for Liverpool this season.

Due to the Egyptian's 14 goals and assists in 11 league games, Liverpool are atop the 2024-25 Premier League table They are currently on 28 points from 11 outings, five points ahead of holders Manchester City.