Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick from a tough angle to level the score for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew on Sunday. This goal brought his total free-kick goals to 76, putting him just two behind the all-time record, as reported by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 39-year-old Argentine took a set-piece from near the right touchline in the 33rd minute. This was after Columbus had taken the lead with a goal from Josef Martínez. Instead of crossing the ball into the box, Messi hit it with his left foot, sending it over the wall and into the far top corner. The ball was out of reach for goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
The score was now 1-1, but Columbus later won 2-1 with a late goal in stoppage time.
This free-kick marked Messi’s 76th in official matches during his career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team.
This leaves him two goals shy of the record held by Brazilian Marcelinho Carioca, who is said to have 78 direct free-kick goals.
In 2026, Messi has been on fire with free-kicks. He scored against San Diego FC to make it 75 goals, netted two in Inter Miami’s 7-1 victory over CF Montréal, and also scored free-kicks against Orlando City, New York City FC, and even for Argentina during the World Cup against Jordan.
This latest goal shows Messi’s skill with free-kicks as he continues his impressive form in the later stages of his career. He scored 50 free-kicks for Barcelona, more than a dozen for Argentina, and has added more goals since joining Inter Miami in 2023.
His overall goal tally in his career has now surpassed 931.
Records for free-kick goals can vary based on who is counting them. Some lists still have Juninho Pernambucano ranked high with 77 goals.
But most recent counts consistently place Marcelinho Carioca first and Messi second, especially after his latest goal against Columbus.
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