Lionel Messi needs just two more goals from free-kicks to draw level with the all-time record after producing a stunning effort from an almost impossible angle against Columbus Crew.
The Inter Miami star scored the 76th free-kick of his career in Sunday evening’s 2-1 loss, putting him within two of the long-standing record held by former Brazil international Marcelinho Carioca.
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Carioca represented Flamengo and Corinthians and is credited with scoring his final free-kick for Brazilian club Santo Andre in 2009. His exceptional ability from set-pieces earned him the nickname “Angel’s Foot”.
Ahead of joining up with Argentina for international duty, Messi produced a memorable moment at Hard Rock Stadium, finding the net from an extremely tight angle to level the score at 1-1.
WOW! Messi from a near-impossible angle. 😱 pic.twitter.com/h525T5Ey3i
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026
The 39-year-old forward showed his quality once again, extending his advantage at the top of the Golden Boot standings to three goals with his 21st Major League Soccer goal of the season.
As shown in the footage below, Messi was stationed on the right side of the field before curling a left-footed effort towards the Columbus goal.
The ball then sailed over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte before dropping into the far top corner, leaving the 65,000-capacity stadium collectively stunned.
Messi came close to putting Miami in front just after the hour mark, but Schulte produced an important save to push his effort over the crossbar. That stop ultimately proved crucial, with Columbus finding a dramatic winner in the 99th minute.
Jamal Thiare reacted quickest to a rebound after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo failed to hold Brais Mendez’s shot, securing all three points for the visitors.
Last month, Messi revealed that he had decided to bring his international career with Argentina to an end after two remarkable decades representing his country.
In a social media statement, the Argentine admitted the decision “hurt” but said “the time has come”.
He wrote: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come.
“I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.”
Messi added: “I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
Argentina’s friendly against Benin on October 6 is expected to bring Messi’s international career to a close, with the match scheduled to take place at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
