Messi Scores Stunning Free Kick as Inter Miami Star Moves Two Away From All-Time Record

Lionel Messi added another remarkable free kick to his collection on Monday, but it wasn't enough to save Inter Miami from a 2-1 defeat away to Columbus Crew in MLS.

The 39 year old's left-footed strike came from a tight angle, almost on the end line, in a spot that looked made for a cross. Messi had other ideas. He curled it over the wall and into the far corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who did everything he could to keep it out. It was Messi's 76th career goal from a free kick and the 931st goal of his professional career.

WOW! Messi from a near-impossible angle. 😱 pic.twitter.com/h525T5Ey3i

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026

That tally leaves him just two short of the all-time free kick record held by Brazilian Marcelinho Carioca, who is credited with 78, though the former Corinthians midfielder, now 54, claims he actually scored 86. The list is dominated by Brazilians, including Vasco legends Jair Rosa Pinto, Dinamite and Juninho. Besides Messi, the only other non-Brazilian on it is the late Serbian Sinisa Mihajlovic, who died in December 2022 after battling leukaemia.

🎨✨ Lionel Messi has scored four free kick goals in the last seven games with Inter Miami.

He’s two goals away from matching Marcelino Carioca’s record with 78 career free kick goals. pic.twitter.com/x8zEpwDee1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 28, 2026

Messi's recent set-piece form has been strong. He has scored from dead balls against San Diego in a 2-2 draw, twice against Montreal in a 7-1 win, and for Argentina against Jordan, as well as against New York City and Orlando City.

Columbus took the lead in the 28th minute, when Josef Martinez, who played for the Florida club in 2023, converted a penalty. Miami's free kick equaliser followed, but the second half saw David Ayala's goal ruled out for offside after Miami had gone in front. Palmeiras academy product Riquelme Fillipi, signed for $5.5 million, made his debut in the 72nd minute, and the game settled into an even spell with few real chances.

Things got worse for the visitors late on. Midfielder Santiago Morales came off the bench in the 87th minute, was booked in the 90th and sent off in the 93rd. Then, in the 98th minute, Jamal Thiare snatched the winner for the hosts after a mistake by Rocco Rios.

The result lifts Columbus to 29 points and 12th place in the Eastern Conference, while Inter Miami stay third on 46. Nashville SC lead the conference with 60 points and are the only side to have already clinched a playoff spot.

This was Messi's last official match for Miami before he links up with Argentina. With his international farewell against Benin approaching, the match could be among his final chapters in the Albiceleste shirt, a goodbye that will be felt by the whole football world.