Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has made history once again, breaking a long-standing record previously held by Brazilian legend Pelé. Messi scored his 71st career goal from a direct free kick, surpassing Pelé’s total of 70 and cementing his status as one of football’s greatest set-piece specialists.
The record-breaking goal came during Inter Miami’s 3‑2 comeback victory over New York City FC in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match at Yankee Stadium. Messi’s free kick, which leveled the score in the 61st minute, highlighted both his technical precision and his remarkable consistency over a career spanning more than 20 years. Despite a slight deflection on the ball’s path, the strike officially counted toward his record, putting him ahead of Pelé in this elite category.
At 38 years old, Messi continues to defy expectations about age and athletic performance. His ability to execute free kicks with accuracy, power, and creativity remains unmatched, whether in European leagues, international competitions, or now in the MLS. This milestone adds yet another accolade to a career already filled with historic achievements.
Messi’s free-kick prowess has been a defining aspect of his game since his early years at FC Barcelona, where he perfected his technique and became a feared threat from dead-ball situations. Over the years, he has consistently converted set pieces into crucial goals in league matches, domestic cups, and international fixtures. His dedication to mastering free kicks demonstrates both his skill and his relentless focus on improvement.
While Messi now surpasses Pelé’s total, the unofficial all-time record for free kicks remains held by Brazilian midfielder Juninho Pernambucano, who scored 77 free-kick goals in his career. Messi is now just six goals away from tying that benchmark, and seven away from overtaking it entirely, leaving fans eager to see him continue this historic pursuit.
Inter Miami’s manager, Javier Mascherano, praised Messi after the game, calling him “a vital player” for the club. His influence extends beyond goals, as his presence and leadership inspire teammates and elevate the team’s performance on the field. The victory against NYCFC also helped Miami climb the MLS standings, reinforcing the club’s ambition with their superstar in top form.
Messi’s record-breaking achievement not only showcases his individual brilliance but also underscores his enduring impact on the sport. From his early days in Argentina to stardom in Europe and now in the United States, Messi continues to break barriers and set new standards. Surpassing an icon like Pelé in free-kick goals adds yet another chapter to his already legendary legacy, which includes multiple Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League titles, and World Cup triumphs with Argentina.
As the MLS season progresses and international tournaments loom on the horizon, Messi’s fans will be watching closely, anticipating more record-breaking moments from the footballer whose precision and artistry have redefined what is possible on the pitch.
Watch the video below:
Messi what a freekick, what a way to score your 901th goal 🐐 pic.twitter.com/x6ydiKO0KE
— MessiMania (@M10Update) March 22, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
