Lionel Messi has been rewriting the report books since his rise at FC Barcelona, increasing his legacy with Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina nationwide group, and now leaving an unprecedented mark at Inter Miami and in Main League Soccer. Along with his group advancing to the Spherical of 16 on the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup, Messi has prolonged a singular and untouchable report—one even Cristiano Ronaldo can not match.
Inter Miami defied expectations within the group stage, holding their very own in opposition to African powerhouse Al Ahly, European contender Porto, and Brazilian giants Palmeiras. With one win and two attracts, the Herons completed second in Group A—adequate to advance and adequate to maintain Messi’s outstanding streak alive.
With this newest accomplishment, Lionel Messi has by no means been eradicated within the group stage of any match throughout his total skilled profession. Regardless of Inter Miami getting into the Membership World Cup as underdogs, the Argentine legend maintained some of the astonishing statistical feats in world soccer.
Throughout all competitions—at each the membership and worldwide stage—Messi has now efficiently superior from the group stage in 33 consecutive tournaments: 19 UEFA Champions League campaigns, 7 Copa Americas, 5 World Cups, 1 Leagues Cup, and now the 2025 Membership World Cup.
Even on the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Messi superior from the group and went on to win the gold medal—including to a adorned record of achievements. No different participant within the historical past of the sport has matched that quantity of group-stage appearances with out a single exit, additional cementing Messi’s place within the sport’s pantheon.
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Lionel Messi’s message after Inter Miami’s historic qualification to Spherical of 16 for the Membership World Cup
Wanting forward, Messi is predicted to compete in at the least two extra group-stage tournaments: the 2025 Leagues Cup with Inter Miami, and, if match, the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. Nonetheless acting at a excessive stage at age 38, the query stays—can he maintain the streak alive, or will time lastly break the run?
Ronaldo falls wanting Messi’s group-stage streak
Cristiano Ronaldo—dubbed “Mr. Champions” for his dominance in UEFA competitions—has additionally made a behavior of reaching match finals. However relating to group-stage consistency, his resume doesn’t match Messi’s.
Ronaldo has been eradicated within the group section 5 instances in his profession: on the 2004 Olympic Video games, the 2005–06 Champions League with Manchester United, the 2014 World Cup, and the 2020–21 and 2022–23 editions of the UEFA Nations League.
Whereas Ronaldo’s profession is outlined by main titles and private accolades, that is one milestone he’ll by no means be capable to attain. Messi’s spotless group-stage report stays unmatched—and unreachable.
