Lionel Messi Clinches 47th Career Title with Inter Miami’s MLS Eastern Conference Victory How Close Is He to Becoming the GOAT
Lionel Messi has added yet another trophy to his illustrious career, achieving a milestone on Saturday. Inter Miami decisively defeated New York City FC 5-1 in the 2025 MLS Eastern Conference Final. This victory marks Messi’s 47th career title and solidifies his standing in the ongoing debate of who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in soccer.
The Road to the Trophy
In a match filled with excitement, Tadeo Allende stood out by scoring a remarkable hat-trick. Teammates Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia also contributed, helping secure the conference title with a dominant scoreline. For Messi, this accomplishment comes at a crucial moment as he risks his first trophyless season since 2019-20 with FC Barcelona.
Messi’s Remarkable Title Count
The 47th title enhances Messi’s extensive trophy collection. His achievements can be summarized as follows:
- FC Barcelona: 35 trophies
- Argentina national team: 6 trophies
- Paris Saint-Germain: 3 trophies
- Inter Miami: 3 trophies
The trophy won this weekend is pivotal as Messi and his team look ahead to the 2025 MLS Cup. Inter Miami will face either the Vancouver Whitecaps or San Diego FC next Saturday, providing Messi an additional chance to extend his record for the most titles in soccer history.
Comparative Analysis: Messi vs. Ronaldo
The latest victory brings renewed focus to the rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While Messi is celebrated for his continuous success, Ronaldo’s title count stands at 36. His trophies stem from various clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, along with the Portugal national team.
| Player | Total Titles | Last Club Trophy Date |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 47 | Upcoming in 2025 MLS Cup |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 36 | May 2021 (Coppa Italia) |
Ronaldo’s most recent title was with Portugal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. However, this title’s recognition as an official trophy by FIFA has sparked debate. His last acknowledged club trophy goes back to May 2021, a significant gap for a player of his caliber.
The Continuing Legacy
As Messi moves closer to solidifying his legacy, the comparisons with Ronaldo will only heighten. Each match presents an opportunity for Messi to add to his staggering trophy collection, reinforcing his position in the GOAT discussion.
