Messi Two Free-Kicks Away From History As Record Comes Into Sight

Lionel Messi has moved to within two goals of the widely credited all-time record for direct free-kick goals after scoring a spectacular effort for Inter Miami in their 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew.

The 39-year-old Argentine produced another moment of set-piece brilliance in the 33rd minute, curling a left-footed free-kick from a difficult angle near the right touchline over the reach of Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the far top corner.

The goal cancelled out Josef Martínez’s earlier penalty and brought Inter Miami level at 1-1. However, Columbus Crew eventually secured victory with a stoppage-time goal.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the strike took Messi’s career tally of direct free-kick goals to 76, leaving him two behind the 78 credited to Brazilian football legend Marcelinho Carioca.

Messi’s latest goal further strengthened his position among the leading direct free-kick scorers in football history. The Argentine had previously moved past Jair Rosa Pinto’s reported tally of 74 and is now listed second behind Marcelinho Carioca in several statistical compilations.

The Barcelona and Argentina legend has continued to be prolific from set pieces in 2026, adding several direct free-kick goals for Inter Miami and Argentina during the year.

Messi has scored 50 direct free-kicks for Barcelona, with further goals coming during his spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.

His latest strike also continued a remarkable scoring run for Inter Miami, coming after he had found the net in four consecutive matches, according to reports following the Columbus encounter.

However, free-kick records can vary depending on the criteria and statistical sources used. Some historical compilations have different totals for players such as Juninho Pernambucano, meaning the exact all-time ranking is subject to the methodology adopted.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Messi’s latest set-piece goal has nevertheless brought him significantly closer to another major individual milestone, with just two more direct free-kicks needed to equal Marcelinho Carioca’s widely credited 78-goal mark.