Lionel Messi is on the cusp of an unprecedented milestone, leading Cristiano Ronaldo in non-penalty goals, a stat that highlights his scoring efficiency. After scoring twice in Inter Miami’s 5-1 MLS win over New York Red Bulls on July 20, 2025, Messi reached 764 non-penalty goals, surpassing Ronaldo’s 763. This reader-friendly article breaks down this feat, its significance, and why Messi’s edge is remarkable, tailored for football fans tracking the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. The Milestone: Messi’s Non-Penalty Goal Lead Current Tally: Messi’s 764 non-penalty goals (in 1,113 matches) edged out Ronaldo’s 763 (in 1,281 matches), per World Soccer Talk. He achieved this in 167 fewer games, showcasing superior efficiency (0.69 vs. 0.60 goals per game). Recent Feat: Messi’s brace against the...