Lionel Messi matched Brazil legend Pele’s record for free-kick goals by scoring his 70th during Inter Miami’s 4-2 Major League Soccer win over Orlando City in Florida on Sunday. The goal came in second-half stoppage time when Messi curled a free-kick into the bottom-left corner, securing victory for the Herons.
Current Standings Among Free-Kick Scorers
This goal places Messi joint-fourth in the all-time men’s football free-kick scoring list. Cristiano Ronaldo trails behind with 64 free-kick goals, his most recent coming in August 2024 during Al Nassr’s 4-1 win against Al Feiha. Although Ronaldo remains six goals short of Messi’s tally, ongoing matches and the upcoming FIFA World Cup offer opportunities to narrow this gap.
Anticipated Rivalry Between Football Icons
With Al Nassr continuing its season and the global spotlight set on the FIFA World Cup later this year, the competition between Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and their records remains a focal point for fans worldwide. This milestone emphasizes Messi’s enduring impact on the sport and maintains the excitement around free-kick mastery in football.
