Lionel Messi showcased his exceptional free-kick prowess once again, propelling Inter Miami’s comeback in the Leagues Cup Round of 16 match against FC Dallas. While the dramatic encounter culminated in Inter Miami’s victory through penalties, Messi’s free-kick prowess remains a focal point.
During the match, Messi notched his 64th career free-kick goal, placing him four goals ahead of his long-standing rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
This achievement gains further significance when considering that Messi has averaged a remarkable free-kick goal every 16 games throughout his illustrious career, a testament to his consistency and skill on the pitch.
The goal that saved Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi 🐐 pic.twitter.com/jbFUwMzZfx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 7, 2023
Despite this remarkable feat, Lionel Messi currently occupies the sixth position on the All-Time List of Most Free Kick Goals. Notably, he stands as the lone active player, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, within the top 10.
Players with the most free-kick goals ever
David Beckham, the Co-Owner of Inter Miami, ranks fifth on the list with 65 free-kick goals achieved during his illustrious career.
Former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho shares the joint third spot with 66 free-kick goals, etching his name into soccer history with a memorable strike against England during the 2002 World Cup. Sharing this position is Victor Legrottaglie, whose achievement gains intrigue due to his exclusive focus on the Argentine league during the 1960s and 1970s while never representing his country internationally.
17 years ago #OnThisDay , everyone was asking, did 🇧🇷@10Ronaldinho mean it 🤔
After seeing the player he became, are there still any doubters? 🤙 pic.twitter.com/RYZ3RDqvXU
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 21, 2019
The second position is claimed by the legendary Pele, boasting an impressive 70 free-kick goals, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport.
At the pinnacle of this list stands Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior, better known as Juninho Pernambucano or simply Juninho, who amassed an astonishing 77 free-kick goals, primarily during his time with Lyon in Ligue 1.
With 64 free-kick goals to his name, Lionel Messi’s trajectory suggests he could potentially bridge the gap to Pele’s tally of 70. However, to surpass Juninho’s record, Messi may need to extend his playing career, solidifying his position as one of soccer’s greatest free-kick maestros.
Lionel Messi is now the leading scorer for Inter Miami in 2023
Lionel Messi’s pursuit of the top free-kick scorer’s list may still be ongoing, yet his impact within Inter Miami is undeniable, as he currently leads the club’s scorer list for 2023.
Remarkably, in a mere span of four games, all contested in the Leagues Cup, Messi has remarkably netted an impressive seven goals for the MLS outfit.
The magic began in his debut game, where Messi demonstrated his trademark free-kick mastery to level the score for Miami against Cruz Azul. This initial feat was followed by consecutive brace performances at home against both Atlanta United and Orlando City.
Lionel Messi is now the leading goal scorer for Inter Miami in 2023
He’s played 3.5 games
— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) August 7, 2023
Messi’s goal-scoring spree continued, with yet another brace away from home against FC Dallas in the Round of 16 match on Sunday, August 6.
Lionel Messi stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Venezuelan striker Josef Martínez, both boasting seven goals apiece. Their joint presence at the apex of the scoring charts underscores Messi’s swift and impactful integration into the club’s offensive dynamics, making him an integral figure in Inter Miami’s pursuit of success in the Leagues Cup.