Lionel Messi has done it again. With his latest strike from a dead ball, the Argentine maestro now has 76 career free-kick goals, moving into sole possession of second place on the all-time list. Only Marcelino Carioca, the Brazilian midfielder known for his pinpoint accuracy, stands ahead with 78. The gap is now just two goals, and the football world is watching closely.
Messi's journey from a player who occasionally curled in a free kick to one of the most reliable set-piece takers in history has been remarkable. In his early days at Barcelona, he was not the first choice for free kicks, often deferring to Ronaldinho or Deco. But over time, he developed a signature style—placing the ball with surgical precision into the top corner, often leaving goalkeepers rooted to the spot. His technique, a mix of curl and dip, has become a nightmare for defenses across Europe and now in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
A South American tradition of dead-ball mastery
The upper echelons of the free-kick scoring chart read like a who's who of South American football. Pelé, the Brazilian legend, set a high standard with 70 official free-kick goals. Juninho Pernambucano, who mesmerized fans at Olympique Lyonnais with his knuckleball technique, amassed 72. Roberto Dinamite, the Vasco da Gama icon, pushed the mark to 75. Now Messi has surpassed them all, and only Carioca remains in his sights.
This lineage is a source of pride across the continent. From the streets of Buenos Aires to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the free kick is more than just a set piece—it's an art form. Messi's rise in this ranking is a testament to his dedication and the enduring influence of South American football on the global stage.
Beyond the numbers, Messi's free kicks have decided some of the most important matches of his career. Who can forget his stoppage-time equalizer against Mexico in the 2022 World Cup, or his Champions League strikes against Liverpool and Atlético Madrid? Each goal adds to a legacy that already includes eight Ballon d'Ors and a World Cup title.
As Messi approaches Carioca's record, the question is not if he will break it, but when. At 37, he shows no signs of slowing down. His move to Inter Miami has given him new platforms to showcase his genius, and his recent impossible-angle free kick against a Major League Soccer rival proved he still has the magic.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, with 64 free-kick goals, remains a distant third, though he continues to add to his tally in Saudi Arabia. David Beckham, Ronaldinho, and Víctor Legrotaglie are further down with 65 and 66 goals respectively. The list is a reminder of how rare and valuable this skill is.
For Latino fans, Messi's pursuit is personal. He represents not just Argentina, but the entire region's passion for football. His success is celebrated from Buenos Aires to Mexico City, and his records are a source of collective pride. As he edges closer to the top, the anticipation builds. Will he tie the record in the next match? Or surpass it with a trademark curler from the edge of the box?
Messi's consistency is remarkable. He has scored free kicks in every competition he has played, from La Liga to the Champions League, from the Copa América to the World Cup. His ability to adapt to different balls, conditions, and pressures sets him apart. Even as he ages, his technique remains sharp, and his confidence from dead balls is unshakable.
The record is within reach, and the football community is eager to witness history. Whether it happens in a regular season match or a high-stakes final, one thing is certain: when Messi steps up to take a free kick, the world holds its breath. And with each goal, he cements his place as the greatest set-piece taker of his generation, and perhaps of all time.
For now, the focus is on the next opportunity. Inter Miami's schedule is packed, and Messi will have plenty of chances to add to his tally. The record, once thought untouchable, now seems inevitable. As fans, we are privileged to witness the final chapters of a legendary career.
