Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami, will beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goals scored in a FIFA Club World Cup, according to ESPN expert Shaka Hislop.
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The record might not last forever, though, according to Hislop, because of the changed nature of the competition.
Messi and Ronaldo, when they were at the height of their European careers, were both heavily involved in the Club World Cup.
While playing with Barcelona, the Argentine international won the event three times(2009), 2011(with the team), and 2015(with a total of five goals).
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has won the title four times: in 2008 with Manchester United and in 2014, 2016, and 2017 with Real Madrid.
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With seven goals in eight matches, the Portuguese forward currently holds the record for most goals scored in Club World Cup history.
Messi was unable to extend his goal scoring streak last weekend as Inter Miami’s 2025 Club World Cup debut was a scoreless draw against Al-Ahly. While the rivalry is still ongoing, Hislop thinks Messi will easily break Ronaldo’s record.
When asked about Lionel Messi breaking the record, he told ESPN, “I don’t think there is any question.” I don’t think anyone can question that Lionel Messi smashes this record, especially considering the length of this campaign.
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“However, I do not believe those records will be valid for an extended period of time either. In Group D, Chelsea began their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 thrashing of Los Angeles FC.
As far as Premier League teams go, the Blues are the tournament’s pioneers this year. They controlled the early exchanges and eventually took the lead in the 34th minute.
Pedro Neto controlled a long ball, showed Hugo Lloris two great touches, and then fired a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The Major League Soccer club lacked precision in the final third after the interval, despite several opportunities to equalise.
After then, in the 79th minute, Enzo Fernández scored the game-winning goal with a beautiful finish. On Friday, Flamengo will host Chelsea, while Esperance of Tunisia will face Los Angeles FC.