Messi Surpasses Pelé in Free-Kick Goals: Who Leads the All-Time Ranking

Lionel Messi's Milestone

According to Главком: Lionel Messi has moved into second place in football history for free-kick goals, scoring the 71st of his career. This achievement occurred during an MLS match where Inter Miami defeated New York City FC with a 3:2 scoreline. The all-time record for free-kick goals is held by Juninho Pernambucano, who scored 77 before retiring in 2013.

It's worth noting that Pelé also reached a significant mark, scoring 70 free-kick goals in his career. This means Messi now leads the legendary Brazilian by just a single goal in this specific category. Free-kick prowess is a rare and highly valued skill, separating the good from the truly great players.

Inter Miami's Status and Other Football Feats

Recall that Inter Miami's run in the Champions Cup recently ended, as they were eliminated by Nashville SC on the away goals rule. Meanwhile, other achievements are making headlines in the football world. Specifically, Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski became the oldest player to score a brace in a Champions League knockout match, surpassing the previous record held by Filippo Inzaghi.

Messi's accomplishment underscores his immense impact on world football and reinforces his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

His ongoing competition with legends like Juninho and Pelé highlights the continuous evolution of the sport. Furthermore, the current results for Inter Miami and the successes of other stars like Lewandowski illustrate the dynamic nature of football, where new records are consistently set, capturing the attention of fans and pundits alike.

While Messi's recent free-kick achievement adds to his impressive legacy, it's important to note that his milestone comes amidst a challenging time for Inter Miami, who recently faced disappointment in the Champions Cup. For a deeper look into how Messi's 900th career goal was overshadowed by this exit, you can read more about it here.