Lionel Messi has written a new chapter in his career and history. With his free-kick goal in Inter Miami’s 3-2 victory over New York City FC, the Argentine made this style one of his most dangerous strengths.
The Argentine has scored 71 goals from free kicks and is on the verge of breaking the historic record.
Leo 7 goals away from glory
Inter Miami headed to Yankee Stadium with a team reeling from the CONCACAF Champions Cup elimination, but Messi once again rallied and scored the tying goal that paved the way for victory. For the home team, Nichols Ferndes Mercau and Axel Agustón Ojeda scored.
However, the most notable goal of the match was the one scored by “10”. The Argentine took a free kick in the 61st minute of the game and combined with Gonzalo Luzin (four minutes into the second half) to equalize and seal the turnaround in New York. Michael dos Santos Silva added a third goal in the 74th minute.
His accuracy was high and the ball ended up in the back of the goal after slightly hitting the wall. But this was more than just a goal against his record. It was his 901st career goal and his first at that stadium, ending his “curse” after going scoreless in two games there.
Furthermore, with this goal, he now has 71 free kick goals, seven goals behind Marcelinho Carioca (78 goals), who leads the all-time free kick rankings.
Second place goes to Brazilian Roberto Dinamite with 75 points, followed by Juninho Pernambucano with 72 points. Leo could catch up with the latter if he scores another goal from a free kick. The goal also surpassed Pell’s record of 70.
The goal also closes the gap on Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 965 goals and is on the verge of reaching 1,000 goals.
Beyond this personal achievement, the Argentine captain continues to make a difference at Inter Miami, racking up goals, assists and records in every game he plays, and remains a decisive influence in MLS.
Now, Inter Miami will host Austin at New Stadium on Saturday the 4th, and RB New York in an MLS match on the 11th.
