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Messi's Final Club World Cup Appearance Ends in Defeat

Lionel Messi's recent participation in the FIFA Club World Cup concluded in disappointment for both him and Inter Miami. The Argentine star, likely making his last appearance in this tournament, failed to score as Inter Miami faced a heavy 4-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 on June 29.

The match quickly turned unfavorable for Miami, with PSG scoring all four goals before halftime. Joao Neves netted two goals, while an own goal and a strike from Achraf Hakimi sealed the fate for Miami. Although Messi showed improvement in the second half, attempting two shots on goal and creating a significant opportunity, the American team could not find the back of the net, concluding their campaign without scoring.

Ronaldo's Record Remains Untouched

With Miami's inability to score, Cristiano Ronaldo's record as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA Club World Cup history remains intact. The Portuguese forward boasts seven goals in the tournament, a record that stands firm despite his absence from the competition's newer format.

Ronaldo participated in four editions with Manchester United in 2008 and three with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017). His scoring record includes one goal in 2008, four in 2016 (including a hat-trick in the final against Kashima Antlers), and two in 2017. This tally places him ahead of players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who have each scored six goals.

Both Messi and Suarez had opportunities to match Ronaldo's record this year. Messi's free-kick goal against Porto, which helped Miami achieve a historic victory over a European team, raised hopes of closing the gap. However, with Miami's elimination and the Club World Cup occurring every four years, the chances of either player surpassing the record are slim.

A Legacy of Missed Opportunities

Despite the setback, Messi's legacy in the Club World Cup remains significant. He scored in each of Barcelona's title-winning campaigns in 2009, 2011, and 2015. His recent goal in Inter Miami's victory over Porto also marked a historic moment, as it was the first time an MLS team defeated a European side in an official match.

On the other hand, Suarez holds the record for the most goals in a single edition of the Club World Cup, netting five in 2015, which included a hat-trick in the semi-finals and two goals in the final—records that still stand.

Ronaldo, however, is the only player to have scored a hat-trick in a Club World Cup final, solidifying his legacy with a remarkable performance in 2016. With this year's tournament concluded for both Messi and Suarez, and the next edition years away, the record remains firmly with the Portuguese superstar—for now.

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