Lionel Messi continues to make history in new colors. His latest goal — a left-footed strike that secured Inter Miami’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup — was not only crucial for the team’s first-ever win in the prestigious tournament, but it also marked Messi’s 50th goal for the club. The Argentine superstar has now reached the half-century milestone in just 61 appearances for the MLS side, a blistering pace that underlines his ongoing brilliance.
The goal came in the 77th minute of the match against Porto, with Miami needing a win after a goalless draw in their tournament opener. Messi picked up a pass at the edge of the box, cut inside with signature precision, and curled a low shot past the goalkeeper into the far corner. It was a goal reminiscent of his Barcelona days — the kind of moment that silences critics and electrifies fans.
A goal-scoring journey in pink and black
Messi’s first goal for Inter Miami came on July 21, 2023, in his debut match against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. A stoppage-time free kick that floated perfectly into the top corner — vintage Messi. That strike was the first glimpse of what was to come: a player who, even at 36, remained one of the world’s most decisive talents.
From there, the goals kept coming. He netted nine times during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup title run, including a stunning effort against Philadelphia Union in the semifinals and another in the final versus Nashville SC. His impact was immediate, transforming the team from an MLS bottom-dweller to a continental contender.
Among the most memorable were his brace against Atlanta United, a hat trick in a 5-2 win over New England Revolution, and a clutch 90th-minute equalizer against LAFC. But it wasn’t just quantity — the quality of his goals, from intricate team plays to long-range stunners, has elevated Inter Miami to new heights.
In the 2025 MLS season, despite rotations and international duty, Messi remained prolific. His understanding with teammates like Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez created a trio that rivaled his peak Barcelona chemistry. His 50th goal now stands not just as a personal achievement, but as a symbol of his successful North American chapter.
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Video: Lionel Messi scores stunning goal to put Inter Miami ahead of Porto in the Club World Cup
¿How long did it take him with Barcelona and Argentina?
While Messi’s 50 goals for Inter Miami came in just 61 matches, the path was longer with his previous teams — although just as iconic.
At Barcelona, where he spent over two decades and scored a record-breaking 672 goals, it took him 119 games to reach the 50-goal mark. He debuted in 2004 and netted his first goal in May 2005 against Albacete. His 50th came in late 2008, during the early stages of the Pep Guardiola era that would redefine modern football.
With the Argentina national team, it took 107 games to hit 50 goals — a testament to the challenges of international football and Argentina’s transitional phases over the years. Messi scored his first for the Albiceleste in 2006 and reached the half-century in 2016, in a Copa América match against the United States.
Now, with 50 goals for his third senior team, Lionel Messi proves once again that no matter the jersey, the magic remains the same — and records are never safe.
