MIAMI, Fla. — Lionel Messi has once again etched his name deeper into football history. The Argentine maestro notched his 400th career assist while also scoring twice in Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over Nashville SC, sealing their best-of-three playoff series and booking a place in the Eastern Conference semifinals against FC Cincinnati.

At 38 years old, Messi continues to redefine longevity and excellence in professional football. His latest achievement makes him only the second player in history to record 400 assists across all competitions — club and country — further strengthening his case in the never-ending GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi’s Magic in Miami

Since arriving in Major League Soccer last year, Messi has transformed Inter Miami from a struggling expansion club into a genuine contender. Against Nashville, he was at his imperious best, dictating the tempo, scoring twice, and assisting another as Miami cruised to victory.

It was a performance that blended trademark vision with ruthless finishing. His assist — a deftly threaded through ball splitting three defenders — set up Leonardo Campana for Miami’s second goal, while his own strikes showcased the precision and composure that have defined his two-decade career.

With the win, Miami advanced to face Supporters’ Shield champions FC Cincinnati, a matchup that will test just how far the David Beckham-owned franchise has come in such a short time.

Another Milestone in an Endless Career

The assist marked Messi’s 400th in competitive football, a feat only previously achieved by Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, who tallied 404 across club and international play with Real Madrid and the Hungarian national team.

Messi’s staggering total comes alongside 849 career goals, leaving him just shy of Ronaldo’s all-time record in scoring — yet far ahead when it comes to creating for others.

While Ronaldo’s goal-scoring numbers remain unmatched, Messi’s blend of playmaking and finishing ability continues to set him apart. Ronaldo’s 304 career assists are remarkable in their own right but underscore the stylistic divide between the two icons — one a relentless finisher, the other an orchestrator as much as an executioner.

Messi’s 400-assist milestone has reignited the debate among fans and pundits worldwide, with many calling it a testament to his all-around brilliance.

Messi vs. Ronaldo: A Rivalry That Defines an Era

For nearly two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have stood as twin pillars of football greatness, pushing each other to historic heights. Together, they’ve claimed 12 Ballon d’Or awards, over 1,600 combined goals, and countless trophies across Europe’s top leagues.

But while the two legends’ careers have taken divergent paths — Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, Messi in MLS with Inter Miami — their rivalry remains alive and well in the court of public opinion.

Ronaldo, never one to shy away from the conversation, addressed the debate again in a recent interview with Piers Morgan, insisting:

“Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don’t want to be humble.”

When reminded of Wayne Rooney’s claim that Messi had surpassed him, Ronaldo responded with surprising grace.

“I have nothing against him,” he said. “He did so many good things for Manchester United. If I see him around, I’ll shake his hand and give him a hug. I don’t have time to be against people anymore.”

Messi, for his part, has always maintained mutual respect, though he recently surprised fans by listing Kylian Mbappé, Eden Hazard, and Sergio Agüero as the next-best players in the world — omitting Ronaldo’s name entirely. When pressed, he clarified that he sees Ronaldo “in another category altogether.”

A Legacy of Longevity and Brilliance

While debates over who is the greater player may never end, what’s undeniable is that both continue to defy time. Ronaldo remains on pace to reach 1,000 career goals, while Messi continues to create and inspire in equal measure.

For Messi, this latest milestone — 400 assists and counting — is another reminder of his artistry. His career has never been about raw numbers alone but about how he achieves them: with grace, intelligence, and a vision few have ever possessed.

As Inter Miami prepares for its semifinal clash, the eyes of the football world remain fixed on the Argentine magician. Even in the twilight of his career, Lionel Messi is still rewriting the record books — and redefining what greatness looks like.