What records can Lionel Messi break in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

When Inter Miami kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign against Al Ahly, all eyes were once again on Lionel Messi — and not just for his magic on the pitch.

Even though the Argentine legend has already lifted the Club World Cup trophy three times with Barcelona, this year’s tournament presents a different kind of challenge. The competition is tougher than ever, especially with the tournament’s expanded format. And let’s face it — Messi isn’t getting any younger. Still, greatness tends to rise to the occasion. 

With that in mind, here are five major records Messi could realistically break at the Club World Cup this summer.

5. All-time top scorer

Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for the most goals in FIFA Club World Cup history, with seven to his name. However, he won’t have the opportunity to add to that tally this summer, as he won’t be participating in the tournament. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, is just two goals behind with five goals in five Club World Cup appearances.

With Messi guaranteed at least two group stage matches in the upcoming tournament, he has a strong chance of surpassing Ronaldo’s record and becoming the all-time leading scorer in Club World Cup history.

4. All-time assister

Lionel Messi has a tough job ahead if he wants to break this record, but since he’s on the field, nothing is impossible. Right now, Messi has one assist in the Club World Cup. To tie for the record, he needs at least four more assists this summer.

The current record for most assists in the tournament is five, held by Shoma Doi, who used to play for Kashima Antlers, and Neri Cardozo, a former Boca Juniors player.

3. Most goals and assists

Ronaldo now holds the record for the most goal contributions in the Club World Cup, with a total of ten goals and assists combined — making him the competition’s all-time top contributor.

Lionel Messi currently has six goal contributions in the tournament, so he’ll need four more this summer to catch up with Ronaldo’s record. It’s also worth keeping an eye on Salem Al-Dawsari from Al-Hilal, who has already been involved in six goals and could add to his tally during this year’s competition.

2. Oldest player to ever score in the Club World Cup

Javier Zanetti currently holds this record, but Messi still has the chance to surpass it. The legendary full-back was 37 years, 4 months, and 5 days old when he scored in the 2010 Club World Cup.

If Lionel Messi scores, he will become the oldest player to have ever scored in the competition, as he’s about to turn 38.

While Messi has a strong chance of setting this record in 2025, it’s also possible that an older player like Luka Modric could break it instead.

1. Most Golden podium finishes

The Golden Ball is awarded to the best player at the end of the competition. With two Golden Balls already to his name, Messi holds the record for the most awards in Club World Cup history. If he wins again this year, he could extend his lead even further.

Interestingly, Ronaldo holds the record for the most podium finishes, having placed in the top three on four occasions. If Messi finishes among the top three players in this summer’s competition, he will tie Ronaldo’s record with three podium appearances.

Cover Credits - India Today