Lionel Messi achieved a significant milestone, netting his 71st career free-kick goal during Inter Miami's 3-2 win against New York City FC in MLS Matchday 5 on 23/3. This achievement places him ahead of "King of Football" Pele, who recorded 70 free-kick goals throughout his career. Messi is now just 6 free-kick goals shy of the all-time record holder, Brazil's "free-kick king" Juninho, who boasts 77 goals.

Messi's historic goal came in the 61st minute, when Inter Miami was trailing 1-2. From a free-kick approximately 25 meters out, the Argentine superstar struck the ball, which deflected off the defensive wall. This unexpected change in direction left New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese unable to react, securing the crucial goal for his team.

Messi celebrates his goal for Inter Miami against New York City at Yankee Stadium, New York, USA on 23/3. Photo: Reuters

The list of the top 10 all-time free-kick takers is dominated by Brazilian talent, with 6 players from the South American nation. Alongside Juninho and Pele, other prominent Brazilians include Ronaldinho with 66 free-kick goals, Zico with 62, and both goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni and Marcelinho Carioca, each with 59 goals.

Argentina contributes ba players to this elite top 10: Messi with 71 goals, Victor Legrottaglie with 66, and Diego Maradona with 62. The remaining player in the top 10 is Ronald Koeman from the Netherlands, who scored 60 free-kick goals and later managed Messi at Barca after his retirement.

This free-kick on 23/3 also marked Messi's 901st career goal. He previously reached the 900-goal milestone in a 1-1 draw against Nashville in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 1/8 on 18/3. Following their elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC, Inter Miami will focus solely on MLS matches in the period leading up to the World Cup.

Messi's free-kick goal.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi will not be rested during the critical phase before the 2026 World Cup, as the team relies on him to achieve its objectives. This decision provides Messi with an opportunity to further close the 6-goal gap to Juninho's free-kick record. However, closing this gap will be challenging, given Messi's age at 38.

Immediately after the New York City match, Messi joined the Argentina national team to prepare for upcoming friendlies. Argentina is scheduled to play Mauritania on 27/3 and Zambia on 31/3. Messi has not yet confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup, repeatedly stating that his decision will depend on his physical condition closer to the tournament, which will take place in North America during the summer.

Vy Anh