Lionel Messi moved closer to the leading marks for direct free-kick goals after scoring a superb set-piece for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.
Messi struck in the 33rd minute, curling the ball over the defensive wall and into the far corner from a difficult angle to level the match after Columbus had taken an early lead from the penalty spot.
The goal took Messi’s tally of direct free-kick goals in official matches to 76, leaving him two behind the 78 attributed to Brazilian free-kick specialist Marcelinho Carioca.
However, free-kick records vary according to the criteria used to classify goals. Some statistical records credit former Brazil and Lyon midfielder Juninho Pernambucano with 77 direct free-kick goals.
Messi’s latest effort therefore leaves the Argentine within touching distance of the leading figures in one of football’s most closely followed individual records.
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