Lionel Messi has scored his 76th free-kick goal in his career, bringing him closer to the all-time record. The goal was scored on Sunday during Inter Miami's match against Columbus Crew. Messi curled home a spectacular free-kick from a near-impossible angle to equalise for Inter Miami. The goal made the score 1-1, but Columbus Crew went on to win 2-1 with a late stoppage-time strike.
The free-kick goal was Messi's 76th in official matches across his career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and Argentina. This achievement puts him two goals short of the record widely attributed to Brazilian Marcelinho Carioca, who is credited with 78 direct free-kick goals. Messi has been prolific in scoring from set pieces in 2026, with several goals from free-kicks in various matches.
Messi's goal against Columbus Crew showcases his late-career mastery of free-kicks. Throughout his career, he has scored 50 free-kick goals for Barcelona and over a dozen for Argentina. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, he has added further goals from free-kicks. His overall career goal tally now stands above 931.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Messi's achievement is significant. Historical free-kick records can vary depending on the criteria used by different compilers. However, recent tallies consistently rank Marcelinho Carioca first and Messi second after the Columbus goal. Some lists still place Juninho Pernambucano near the top with 77 free-kick goals.
Messi has enjoyed a remarkable run of form from set pieces in 2026. He scored against San Diego FC to reach 75 free-kick goals and has netted twice in Inter Miami's 7-1 win over CF Montréal. He also found the net from free-kicks against Orlando City, New York City FC, and Jordan with Argentina at the World Cup.
The match against Columbus Crew saw Messi score in the 33rd minute from a set-piece awarded near the right touchline. Rather than deliver a cross into the box, Messi struck the ball with his left foot, sending it over the wall and into the far top corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. The goal equalised for Inter Miami, but they ultimately lost 2-1.
Gilbert Ekugbe, a journalist at Punch Newspapers, reported on Messi's achievement. Ekugbe has over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs and covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria's broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism.
Key points
- Messi scored his 76th free-kick goal, moving within two of the all-time record.
- The goal was scored during Inter Miami's match against Columbus Crew on Sunday.
- Messi's achievement puts him close to Marcelinho Carioca's record of 78 direct free-kick goals.
