Messi Inches Closer to Free Kick Record After Stunning Inter Miami Strike

Lionel Messi has moved within two goals of the widely credited all-time direct free kick record after producing another spectacular set piece for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew. The Argentine superstar scored from a difficult angle in the 33rd minute of Sunday’s MLS clash, curling his left footed effort over the wall and into the far top corner to bring Inter Miami level.

Columbus had taken the lead through Josef Martínez from the penalty spot, but Messi quickly responded with a free-kick that left goalkeeper Patrick Schulte with little chance. The goal took Messi’s career tally to 76 direct free-kick goals across official matches for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina, according to figures cited by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Despite Messi’s individual achievement, Inter Miami could not secure a point as Columbus Crew scored a late stoppage time winner to claim a 2-1 victory.

Messi’s latest strike puts him two goals behind former Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho Carioca, who is widely credited with 78 direct free-kick goals. However, historical free-kick records are not completely uniform, with some statistical compilations giving different totals to players such as Juninho Pernambucano.

The 2026 season has been particularly productive for Messi from dead ball situations. He reached 75 free kick goals after scoring against San Diego FC before adding more against Orlando City, New York City FC and twice during Inter Miami’s 7-1 victory over CF Montréal. He also scored a direct free kick for Argentina against Jordan during the 2026 World Cup.

Messi scored 50 direct free-kicks during his time at Barcelona, with further strikes coming for Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. The latest goal also pushed his overall career tally beyond 931 goals, adding another milestone to his remarkable career. Messi now needs just two more direct free kick goals to reach the 78 goal figure attributed to Marcelinho Carioca. With Inter Miami still having matches remaining in the MLS regular season, the Argentine will have further opportunities to add to his tally.