Messi Surpasses Legends, Now 2nd in All-Time Free-Kick Goals

Lionel Messi, the captain of Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, has moved into second place on the all-time list of direct free-kick goals, achieving a total of 75 goals. This milestone allows him to surpass notable Brazilian players such as Juninho Pernambucano, Roberto Dinamite, and Jair, who concluded their careers with 72, 73, and 74 free-kick goals, respectively.

In 2026 alone, Messi has scored six direct free-kicks, showcasing his exceptional ability in set-piece situations. Currently, only Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho Carioca stands ahead of Messi on the list, with 78 direct free-kick goals.

In contrast, Messi's long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, ranks ninth with 63 direct free-kick goals, highlighting the gap between the two players in this specific scoring category.