Lionel Messi has achieved another milestone in his illustrious football career, scoring his 75th direct free-kick goal during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with San Diego FC. The goal came in the 24th minute, with Messi curling a left-footed effort into the far corner. This achievement moves him to second place on the all-time list of players with the most free-kick goals in history. Messi's 75 free-kick goals have been scored across various clubs, including Barcelona, Argentina, Inter Miami, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The bulk of Messi's free-kick goals came during his time at Barcelona, where he scored 50 of his 75 free kicks. Argentina contributed 12, Inter Miami 11, and Paris Saint-Germain two. This latest achievement is a testament to Messi's exceptional skill and precision in dead-ball situations. With this milestone, Messi is now just three goals short of the all-time record held by Marcelinho Carioca, who has 78 direct free-kick goals.
Marcelinho Carioca, a Brazilian attacking midfielder, holds the record for the most direct free-kick goals with 78. He spent the bulk of his career at Corinthians, with additional stints at Valencia and Santos, earning a global reputation for his dead-ball precision. The top 10 players with the most free-kick goals in history have been compiled, with Messi now sitting in second place.
The list of top 10 players with the most free-kick goals in history includes several notable footballers. Jair Rosa Pinto, a Brazilian attacking midfielder, accumulated 74 direct free-kick goals across a career that ran from 1938 to 1963. Roberto Dinamite, a Brazilian footballer, scored 73 direct free-kick goals, while Juninho Pernambucano, also from Brazil, has 72.
Other notable players on the list include Marcos Assunção, a Brazilian midfielder, who scored 68 direct free-kick goals, and Siniša Mihajlović, a Serbian defender, who accumulated 67. Jorge Aravena, a Chilean midfielder, scored 65 direct free-kick goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese forward, has 64. Zico, a Brazilian midfielder, completes the top 10 with 62 direct free-kick goals.
Messi's achievement is a significant milestone in his career, and he will look to continue adding to his tally. The Argentine footballer has had an illustrious career, playing for several top clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. He has also represented Argentina at the international level, earning numerous caps and scoring crucial goals.
Messi's inclusion in Argentina's latest squad has also been highlighted, despite his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old will reportedly join the team for an official farewell against Benin at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental on October 6. This will provide an opportunity for Messi to make a final appearance for Argentina and receive a fitting tribute.
Key points
- Lionel Messi has scored his 75th direct free-kick goal, moving him to second on the all-time list.
- Marcelinho Carioca holds the record for the most direct free-kick goals with 78.
- Messi is just three goals short of the all-time record and will look to continue adding to his tally.
