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Lionel Messi has moved within two goals of the all-time free-kick record after scoring a stunning set-piece for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew.
The 39-year-old Argentine curled home from a near-impossible angle in the 33rd minute to level the scores after Columbus had taken an early lead through Josef Martínez.
Messi stood over the free-kick near the right touchline and, instead of crossing into the box, whipped the ball over the wall and into the far top corner, leaving goalkeeper Patrick Schulte helpless.
The goal took Messi’s career tally from direct free-kicks to 76 in official matches for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
However, Inter Miami could not complete the comeback, as Columbus secured a 2-1 victory with a stoppage-time winner.
Messi’s latest strike leaves him two goals behind Brazilian Marcelinho Carioca, who is widely credited with 78 direct free-kick goals.
Messi has enjoyed an impressive run from set pieces this year, scoring against San Diego FC to reach 75 before netting twice in Inter Miami’s 7-1 victory over CF Montréal.
He has also scored free-kicks against Orlando City and New York City FC for Inter Miami, as well as against Jordan with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
The latest goal further underlined Messi’s reputation as one of football’s most dangerous free-kick takers in the latter stage of his career.
He scored 50 direct free-kicks for Barcelona, more than a dozen for Argentina, and has added several more since joining Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi’s overall career goal tally has now risen above 931.
Historical free-kick records vary depending on the criteria used by different statistical compilers. While some lists place Brazilian Juninho Pernambucano near the top with 77, recent tallies put Marcelinho Carioca first and Messi second following his latest goal.
