Star Argentine footballer Lionel Messi on Sunday, March 22, went past Pelé to move to second in the list of highest goalscorers through free kicks. The former has climbed one of football’s most iconic
scoring ladders, reaching 71 career free-kick goals and going past Pelé on the all-time list.
Messi now sits second, with only Juninho Pernambucano ahead.
It is the latest evolution of a skill Messi has transformed from an occasional weapon into one of the most lethal elements of his game. While his brilliance was long celebrated through dribbles, assists and brilliant left-foot finishes, free-kicks have now become a defining feature of his legacy.
Messi’s latest free-kick moves him past Pelé’s 70-goal mark and leaves him just six shy of Pernambucano’s 77, the record. It is yet another testament to the former’s longevity and ability to reinvent his game, as he continues to reach new milestones well into his 30s.
What makes the milestone even more brilliant is the elite company Messi now joins. Pernambucano remains at the top with 77 goals, long considered the benchmark for free-kick mastery.
Messi now sits alone in second place with 71 free-kick goals, ahead of Pelé’s 70, while Ronaldinho and Víctor Legrotaglie are tied on 66 each.
Meanwhile, Messi netted his 901st career goal as Inter Miami handed New York City FC their first loss of the Major League Soccer season, winning 3-2 on Sunday, March 22.
Argentine superstar Messi netted the equaliser off a free kick in the 61st minute and Brazilian defender Micael headed home the match-winner in the 74th.
Visiting New York City FC were still reeling after being knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup after a draw with Nashville SC on Wednesday, the same night Messi scored the 900th goal of his legendary career.
Argentine defender Gonzalo Lujan opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the fourth minute on a right-foot shot into the lower right corner.
