I don’t need to score goals to reach a record- Lionel Messi takes dig at Cristiano Ronaldo

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has taken a subtle dig at Cristiano Ronaldo by stating that he doesn’t focus on statistics.

He made the comment in an interview with ESPN as he prepares to play in the MLS Cup Final against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, December 6 for Inter Miami.

En route to the final, Messi made history by becoming the male footballer with the most assists after registering his 405th assist in Inter Miami’s 5-1 win over New York City FC to win the Eastern Conference MLS title. Messi passed Ferenc Puskas (405 assists) to move to the summit on the all-time list.

Speaking in the interview with ESPN, Messi confessed that he isn’t interested in statistics with the comment coming at a time where his rival Cristiano Ronaldo is on the hunt to score 1000 goals in his professional career.

Lionel Messi Photo Courtesy: ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo is at the time of writing on 954 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal applauds the fans after the draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Hungary (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

“People today focus a lot on statistics and personally I don’t really like statistics. I don’t think I need to must make an assist or score a goal so I can reach a record or surpass this person or that person.”

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr (Photo by Al Nassr FC/Al Nassr FC via Getty Images)

“I live the game and enjoy it…but I don’t play for that-statistics- and I’ve never given it importance.”

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate winning the World Cup REUTERS/Carl Recine

“Things happened…not because I was thinking in my head that I need to make an assist or score a goal to achieve a record or surpass someone. Things simply happened because they happened.”