Lionel Messi produced another spectacular set-piece moment on Sunday as Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, with the Argentine superstar moving closer to the all-time record for direct free-kick goals.
The 39-year-old scored a stunning free-kick in the 33rd minute to bring Inter Miami level after Columbus had taken the lead through Josef Martínez.
Messi’s latest effort took his career tally from direct free-kicks to 76, according to widely cited statistical records, leaving him just two goals behind the 78 credited to Brazilian great Marcelinho Carioca.
The achievement came during another difficult night for Inter Miami, who appeared set to leave Columbus with a point before conceding a dramatic late winner.
Columbus opened the scoring in the 28th minute after Josef Martínez converted from the penalty spot. Miami were therefore forced to respond, and Messi took responsibility just five minutes later.
The free-kick was awarded in an extremely difficult position near the right touchline. With many players likely to consider sending a cross into the penalty area, Messi instead attempted something far more ambitious.
Standing over the ball with his trademark left foot, the Inter Miami captain curled the effort over the defensive wall and towards the far top corner. Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte stretched to his full height but could not prevent the ball from finding the net.
The goal made it 1-1 and once again demonstrated Messi’s extraordinary ability from dead-ball situations.
It was not simply another goal for the Argentine. It also represented another step in his pursuit of one of football’s most notable free-kick records.
Messi had entered the match with 75 direct free-kick goals after a remarkable run of set-piece scoring during 2026. His latest strike moved him to 76 and further strengthened his position among the game’s most prolific free-kick specialists.
The historical figures, however, depend on the statistical criteria used by different record compilers. Marcelinho Carioca is widely credited with 78 direct free-kick goals, while some historical lists have different totals for players such as Juninho Pernambucano.
Messi’s progress has been particularly striking because of the improvement in his free-kick numbers during the latter stages of his career.
Earlier in 2026, he scored from free-kicks against San Diego FC and other opponents for Inter Miami, while also adding set-piece goals during Argentina’s campaign. His latest strike against Columbus was his 12th direct free-kick goal for Inter Miami, according to reports.
Despite Messi’s moment of brilliance, Inter Miami could not secure a result.
The game remained level at 1-1 deep into the second half, giving Miami hope of taking at least one point from the encounter.
However, Columbus delivered the decisive blow in the 98th minute when Jamal Thiaré found the net with a late stoppage-time strike.
The goal triggered celebrations from the home supporters and condemned Miami to a 2-1 defeat despite another memorable contribution from their captain.
For Columbus, the victory provided an important boost, while Miami were left to reflect on a match in which Messi had once again produced an individual moment capable of changing the contest.
Messi’s goal also added another milestone to an extraordinary career that has continued to produce records well into his late thirties.
The Argentine has now scored more than 930 career goals across club and international football, while continuing to add new landmarks during his time in Major League Soccer.
With 76 direct free-kick goals now credited to his name, Messi needs only two more to reach the widely reported 78-goal benchmark associated with Marcelinho Carioca.
For a player who has repeatedly rewritten football’s statistical record books, the pursuit of another historic milestone is becoming an increasingly prominent part of the closing years of his career.
Yet on Sunday, the individual achievement could not prevent Inter Miami from leaving Columbus empty-handed. Messi provided the brilliance, but Thiaré’s late strike ensured that Columbus took all three points.
