Lionel Messi may have scored the best free kick goal of his career from an almost impossible angle

• Lionel Messi scored the 76th direct free kick goal of his professional career during Inter Miami’s clash against Columbus Crew.

• The Argentine icon is now just two set piece goals away from matching the legendary all time record held by Marcelinho Carioca.

• The 39 year old forward confirmed his final international match for Argentina will take place on October 6 against Benin.

Lionel Messi delivered yet another extraordinary moment of sporting brilliance, scoring what many analysts consider one of the finest free kick goals of his illustrious career. During Inter Miami‘s high stakes match against the Columbus Crew at Hard Rock Stadium, the 39 year old forward executed a breathtaking set piece from a seemingly impossible tight angle along the right touchline. The Argentine star curled a powerful strike over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte directly into the top corner of the net, drawing the match level at 1-1 and extending his MLS Golden Boot lead with his 21st goal of the regular season campaign.

Lionel Messi’s free kick goal from the stands is absolutely NUTS.

We might as well count this as an Olympico. 🤯🐐pic.twitter.com/gHy600oFq1

— MC (@CrewsMat10) September 28, 2026

Closing in on Marcelinho Carioca’s historic record

The brilliant set piece strike marked the 76th direct free kick goal of Messi’s senior career, placing him within striking distance of the all time global record. The current landmark of 78 free kick goals belongs to former Brazilian international midfielder Marcelinho Carioca, affectionately nicknamed “Angel Foot” during his memorable stints with Flamengo and Corinthians. With only two goals required to equal the long standing record, football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating whether the Inter Miami captain can claim sole possession of yet another historic milestone before concluding his career.

Late heartbreak despite individual brilliance on the pitch

Despite Messi’s spectacular equalizer and a dangerous 60th minute attempt that forced a crucial tip over the crossbar by Schulte, the match ended in heartbreak for the home side. The Columbus Crew secured a dramatic 2-1 victory deep into stoppage time when striker Jamal Thiare capitalized on a rebound in the 99th minute following an unhandled shot by Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. The unexpected late goal delivered all three points to the visiting side, overshadowing Messi’s individual masterpiece with a frustrating home defeat for Inter Miami.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Inter Miami CF (@intermiamicf)

Final countdown for international retirement with Argentina

The landmark goal arrives as Messi prepares for his official farewell from international football following two glorious decades with the Argentine national team. In a heartfelt statement shared across social media, the legendary captain reflected on the painful decision to step away, emphasizing that the time had come to clear the path for emerging young talent. Messi’s final appearance wearing the iconic albiceleste jersey will take place on October 6 in an international friendly against Benin, hosted at the historic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.