Lionel Messi breaks incredible goal scoring record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo after starring in Inter Miami's win over Nashville

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has become the fastest player to reach 830 goals, achieving the milestones in just 1,056 games.

What's also special about his record is that Messi has managed to net that many times in 100 games fewer than his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Herons were in action against Nashville today in the MLS, wherein the World Cup winner netted twice, including a late penalty to consolidate their win.

Messi's brace brought his career tally to 830 goals in all competitions, a remarkable feat by all accounts, but trails Ronaldo by some distance.

His Portuguese rival has 885 in total, as the 39-year-old has managed to widen the gap with Messi on the goalscoring charts with his blistering exploits this season.

Ronaldo is having a fine campaign with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, netting 42 goals from 43 games, but Messi has begun the 2024 campaign with Inter Miami on a positive note too.

The former Barcelona ace has scored nine goals from as many games in all competitions, including seven in the MLS from six appearances. It holds the Herons in good stead, as they aim to recover from the disaster of last season, when the Florida outfit finished second from bottom in the Eastern Conference table in regular season.

Inter Miami next play New England Revolution at the Gillette Stadium on Saturday in the MLS.

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Messi and Ronaldo still delivering in their late 30s

Football's two great rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may not be gracing Europe's top leagues anymore, but continue to go strong for their respective clubs even at their ripe old age.

Messi, who turns 37 in June, has taken the MLS by storm, settling in quickly to produce his best form. Meanwhile, Ronaldo, who is 39 now, is seeing his best season in seven years, netting in left, right and centre to light up the Saudi top league.

This is a testament to the duo's spectacular longevity, not seen in players of their position in a long time. To have so much drive to keep on playing, despite having accomplished almost everything in their careers, is also rarely seen these days.