Lionel Messi showcased his exceptional talent once again with a remarkable double in a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami over Nashville SC in the MLS playoff series opener in Fort Lauderdale. While Messi, at 38, continues to display his remarkable skills that defy his age, it was his rare header that captured the spotlight and stirred conversations in the football world.
In the 19th minute, Messi connected with a precise cross from former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez to score his 29th career header, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career. Throughout his journey, Messi has scored 29 headers, with two for Argentina and 27 at the club level, notably achieving 24 during his remarkable stint at Barcelona from 2006 to 2021. Among these, his unforgettable header in the 2009 Champions League final against Ronaldo’s Manchester United stands out as one of the most iconic moments in his career.
Despite not scoring any headers during his time at PSG, Messi has reignited this aspect of his game since joining Inter Miami, recording three headed goals against Orlando City, Atlanta United, and now Nashville SC. In contrast, Ronaldo has established himself as a dominant force in aerial duels, accumulating an impressive total of 152 headed goals over his 23-year career. His aerial prowess is evident across various clubs and national teams, with significant contributions made during his spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo’s headed goals make up a substantial 16.02 percent of his total 949 career goals, showcasing his proficiency in the air. In comparison, Messi’s headed goals represent a smaller fraction, accounting for just 3.25 percent of his 891 goals. The debate surrounding the two football icons’ contrasting styles and strengths continues to captivate fans worldwide.