Key Events in the Football World
Significant football milestones were reached on Sunday, March 26, 2026. Lionel Messi scored twice for Inter Miami in an away match against Orlando City, marking the team's first MLS win of the season after an opening 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC. The second of those goals was a landmark achievement: it was the 70th free-kick goal of Messi's career, drawing him level with the legendary Pelé. The all-time record for free-kick goals is held by Juninho Pernambucano with 77.
Ukraine National Team's Performance
In parallel, the Ukraine national team concluded the first stage of European qualifying for the next year's FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across three North American nations. Ukraine secured its place in the playoffs with a 2-0 victory over Iceland in its final group match. The goals were scored by Zubkov in the 83rd minute and Hutsuliak in the third minute of added time.
- Ukraine and Iceland were level on points before the match, making the win crucial for progression.
- Ukraine must now defeat two opponents to qualify for the World Cup finals.
- In the playoff semifinal, Ukraine will face Sweden; a victory would see them play the winner of the Poland vs. Albania match in the final.
These achievements by both Lionel Messi and the Ukrainian national team underscore major moments in international football. Messi's continued success in MLS boosts the league's global profile, attracting more fans and media attention. For Ukraine, success in World Cup qualifying represents a critical step in the team's journey back to the sport's biggest stage, with the upcoming match against Sweden being a pivotal hurdle to overcome.