Inter Miami secured an important victory in MLS with Lionel Messi’s free kick goal. This goal also helped Messi surpass champion Pele with an impressive record. Despite Gonzalo Luján’s goal in the fourth minute, New York City was able to overwhelm Inter Miami in the first half. Goals from Nicolas Fernández and Agustín Ojeda put the score at 2-1 in favor of the New York team, and it looked like Javier Mascherano’s side would be dealt another tough blow. However, leader Leo Messi seemed to have leveled the score and led his team to what ultimately meant three points for Miami.
A magical night once again put Lionel Messi in the conversation as the greatest of all time. With his free-kick goal in Inter Miami’s win over Orlando City SC, the Argentine briefly reached the historic mark of equaling Pele’s. Now, Messi has scored again from free kicks and ranks as the second-best free kick taker.
Messi overtakes Pele to become top free kick scorer
This goal was achieved thanks to a powerful shot and a bit of luck. The shot deflected off a defender and changed its trajectory, giving New York’s goaltender no chance to react.
With this goal, Messi reached 71 free-kick goals in all competitions, surpassing Pele’s record as one of the top specialists in this field.
For decades, Brazilians have been the gold standard in this type of execution. Now, Messi has reached that number in a completely different era.
In his early years as a professional, Messi was not the primary free-kick taker. However, over time, he turned this weakness into one of his greatest strengths.
Who is the top free throw scorer?
Messi has surpassed Pele, but Juninho Pernambucano, considered the best free-kick taker of all time, is still one person above him on the all-time list.
However, the impact of Messi’s achievements goes beyond rankings. His ability to maintain the status quo and continue to effect change at critical moments strengthens his legacy.
Top players with the most free kick goals
Juninho Pernambucano: 77 goals Lionel Messi: 71 goals Pele 70 goals Ronaldinho: 66 goals Victor Legrotaglier: 66 goals David Beckham: 65 goals Cristiano Ronaldo: 64 goals
