The Argentine reached the record after scoring a header as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 in the 2026 Campeones Cup, a competition between the champions of Major League Soccer and Liga MX.

The victory gave Messi another trophy with Inter Miami and further extended his extraordinary record in high-stakes matches.

According to the Ballon d’Or organisers, Messi has played in 53 finals during his career, scoring 36 goals and providing 18 assists.

His latest goal also marked his 100th for Inter Miami since joining the MLS club in 2023.

Messi has now made 115 appearances for Inter Miami, producing 100 goals and 57 assists for 157 direct goal contributions.

His arrival has coincided with the most successful period in Inter Miami’s history, with the club claiming four major trophies since his move to the United States.

Those titles are the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, 2025 MLS Cup and the 2026 Campeones Cup.

The four trophies have taken Messi’s career title haul to 48, putting him five ahead of Brazilian defenders Marquinhos and Dani Alves, who have each won 43 titles, according to the Ballon d’Or website.

At 39, Messi remains among the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after another season in which he has continued to add to his personal records and collection of trophies.