Messi reaches 75 free-kick goals, three behind all-time record

Lionel Messi scored his 75th career direct free-kick goal in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against San Diego FC on Sunday, moving into second place on the all-time list of free-kick scorers.

Messi found the net in the 24th minute after San Diego took an early lead. From the right side just outside the penalty area, the Argentine curled a left-footed free kick through the box and into the far corner without a touch from another player.

The goal was Messi’s 101st for Inter Miami and took his career tally to 930, according to reports following the match.

Messi is now three direct free-kick goals behind Brazilian Marcelinho Carioca, who is credited with 78. Messi had reached 74 after scoring twice from free kicks against CF Montréal on August 29.

The latest goal also moved Messi past Jair Rosa Pinto, who is credited with 74 direct free-kick goals in the historical ranking compiled by El Gráfico. Roberto Dinamite is listed with 73, while Juninho Pernambucano and Siniša Mihajlović are both credited with 72.

Inter Miami eventually took a 2-1 lead through Luis Suárez in the 74th minute, but San Diego forward Anders Dreyer scored his second goal of the match eight minutes later to secure a 2-2 draw.

The result marked Inter Miami’s fourth consecutive draw in MLS play.

Most free-kick goals

Messi’s free-kick goals by team

• Barcelona: 50

• Argentina: 12

• Inter Miami: 11

• Paris Saint-Germain: 2