Lionel Messi moved level with Brazilian legend Pele for free kicks as he scored Inter Miami’s fourth goal against Orlando City in their Major League Soccer match in Florida on Sunday.
Messi took a free kick in second half stoppage time and found the bottom left corner, helping the Herons secure a 4–2 win.
It was Messi’s 70th goal from a free kick, putting him joint fourth in the record for most free kicks in men’s football.
Most goals from free kicks in men’s football:
| No. | Name | Nationality | Number of goals |
| 1. | Marcelino Carioca | 78 | Brazil |
| 2. | Roberto Dynamite | 75 | Brazil |
| 3. | Juninho | 72 | Brazil |
| 4. | Lionel Messi | 70 | Argentina |
| 4. | First | 70 | Brazil |
Where is Cristiano Ronaldo on the list?
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 64 goals from free kicks, with his last goal coming in August 2024 in a 4-1 win for Al Nassr against Al Feiha.
He remains six behind Messi, but with plenty of games left for Al Nassr this season and a FIFA World Cup later this year, hopes remain for another exciting battle between the two football icons.
Published on March 2, 2026
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