Lionel Messi equals Pele's free-kick record during Inter Miami's win over Orlando City in MLS 2026
(Courtesy :Â Getty)
The Argentine star scored a brilliant free-kick to inspire his side to a win.
Lionel Messi has had an incredible start to the 2026 MLS season. The Inter Miami star led his team to an exciting 4-2 comeback victory over Orlando City in just his second game of the season, scoring twice and collecting their first win of the season.
Messi’s signature free kick in the 90th minute sealed the win. Home’s side keeper couldn’t reach the shot as the ball curled exquisitely into the net’s corner, capping an incredible comeback.
After Inter Miami’s season-opening 3-0 loss to LAFC, the victory was a much-needed respite. They now have three points and are seventh in the Eastern Conference afte the win.
Lionel Messi equals Pele’s free-kick record
When Lionel Messi scored the fourth goal for Inter Miami against Orlando City in their Major League Soccer game in Florida on Sunday, he tied Brazilian icon Pelé for the most free-kick goals in football history.
In second-half stoppage time, Lionel Messi took a free kick and found the bottom-left corner to give the Herons a 4-2 victory. Lionel Messi now shares fourth place in the men’s football statistic for the most free-kick goals after scoring his 70th goal from a free-kick.
Messi is currently seven free-kicks short of tying the all-time record. He will stand alone at the top of this ranking in soccer history with eight more. Messi can therefore get closer to breaking yet another record each time Inter Miami is given a free kick near the penalty box.
Who has scored the most free-kicks in football history?
Juninho has scored the most free-kicks with 77.
How many will Lionel Messi need to become the all-time free-kick scorer?
He will need eight more to overtake Juninho.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.