MESSI NOW TWO GOALS AWAY FROM ALL-TIME FREE-KICK RECORD
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is now just two goals away from the widely recognised record for direct free-kick goals after scoring another spectacular set-piece against Columbus Crew.
The Argentine scored a stunning free-kick in Inter Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on Sunday, taking his career tally of direct free-kick goals to 76.
Messi found the net in the 33rd minute, five minutes after Josef Martínez had given Columbus the lead from the penalty spot. The 39-year-old curled the ball over the wall and into the far corner from a difficult angle to bring Inter Miami level.
However, Messi’s effort was not enough to secure a point for his side, as Jamal Thiaré scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory for Columbus.
Despite the defeat, Messi’s latest set-piece goal moved him closer to one of football’s most notable statistical milestones.
Messi is now credited with 76 direct free-kick goals, leaving him two behind Brazilian legend Marcelinho Carioca, who is widely credited with 78.
The Inter Miami captain had reached 75 direct free-kick goals a week earlier after scoring against San Diego FC. That strike moved him past Jair Rosa Pinto, who is credited with 74, and left him three goals behind Marcelinho.
His latest effort against Columbus has now reduced the gap to two.
If Messi scores two more direct free-kicks, he will draw level with Marcelinho. Another successful direct free-kick would then put him ahead of the Brazilian on the widely cited historical tally.
All-Time Direct Free-Kick Goals
- MARCELINHO CARIOCA – 78
- LIONEL MESSI – 76
- JAIR ROSA PINTO – 74
- ROBERTO DINAMITE – 73
- JUNINHO PERNAMBUCANO – 72
- SINISA MIHAJLOVIC – 72
The figures refer specifically to direct free-kick goals. Historical records can vary depending on how matches and different types of free-kick goals are classified, meaning the totals are best regarded as widely cited figures rather than an uncontested official FIFA record.
Messi’s latest strike further highlights his longevity as one of football’s most prolific free-kick specialists, with the Argentine now requiring just two more goals from direct free-kicks to equal Marcelinho Carioca’s widely recognised tally of 78.
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