Lionel Messi has written a new chapter in his career and in history. With another free-kick goal in Inter Miami’s 3-2 victory over New York City FC, the Argentine has made this style one of his deadliest specialties.
The Argentine has scored 71 goals from free kicks, but he is on the verge of breaking a historic record.
Leo, seven goals away from glory
Inter Miami traveled to Yankee Stadium with a team reeling from their elimination in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, but Messi once again stepped up and scored the equalizer that paved the way for the victory. Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Axel Agustín Ojeda scored for the home side.
However, the goal that stood out most in the game was the one by the ’10.’ The Argentine took his free kick in the 61st minute of the match and joined Gonzalo Luján (4th minute) in tying the game, proving decisive for the comeback on New York soil. Micael dos Santos Silva added the third goal in the 74th minute.
With precision and after a slight deflection off the wall, the ball ended up in the back of the net. However, this wasn’t just another goal to his tally; it was his 901st career goal and his first at that stadium, breaking his “curse” after two other scoreless matches there.
Furthermore, with this goal, he now has 71 free-kick goals, leaving him just seven goals behind the all-time free-kick leader, Marcelinho Carioca, who tops the all-time rankings with 78.
In second place is Brazilian Roberto Dinamite, with 75, followed by Juninho Pernambucano, with 72. Leo could catch up to the latter if he scores another goal from a free kick. Furthermore, with this goal, he surpassed Pelé’s record of 70.
Furthermore, this goal narrows the gap between him and Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 965 goals and is on track to reach 1,000.
Beyond this individual achievement, the Argentine captain continues to make a difference at Inter Miami, where he keeps racking up goals, assists, and records in every appearance, maintaining his decisive impact in the MLS.
Now, Inter Miami will host Austin at Nu Stadium on Saturday the 4th and RB New York on the 11th for MLS action.
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