Who has scored most number of direct free-kick goals in football history? Lionel Messi ranked third after stunning goal vs Porto

Lionel Messi scored the 68th direct free-kick goal of his career on Thursday, June 19, against Porto in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. La Pulga is now ranked third in the all time list of direct free-kick goalscorers, with only Lyon legend Juninho Pernambucano (77) and Brazil icon Pele (70) scoring more.

For context, Portugal superstar and bitter rival Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 64 direct free-kick goals in his career. On Thursday, Lionel Messi took to the field as part of the Inter Miami side that was staring at history.

No MLS side had ever beaten a European team in an official tournament, and the Herons needed a win to stay in contention for qualification to the knockouts. To make matters worse, it was the Portuguese club who went ahead in the eighth minute through Samu Aghehowa's penalty.

However, Telasco Segovia pulled Inter Miami level two minutes into the second half, setting the stage for some Messi magic. The Argentinean was fouled just outside the box few minutes later.

La Pulga stood over the ball, centrally outside the D box, and opted the harder of the two options. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner lifted the ball above the Porto wall, and to the goalkeeper's side.

Claudio Ramos could do nothing to stop it from nestling in the back of the next. In the process, Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami create history, as they became the first MLS side to beat a European team in an official competition.

How many direct free-kick goals has Lionel Messi scored since joining Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi has scored five direct free-kick goals for Inter Miami since joining the club in 2023 following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). La Pulga hit the ground running with the Herons, helping their lift the Leagues Cup in his debut season.

The Argentinean scored two direct free-kick goals in the tournament. The 37-year-old first direct free-kick goal in the MLS came last season against Columbus.

Messi also found the back of the net with a direct free-kick against Philadelphia Union in May this year to secure a late 3-3 draw in the MLS. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's fifth direct free-kick goal for Inter Miami was a stark reminder why he is considered by many as the Greatest of All Time. Interrestingly, the Argentinean's contract with the Herons expires at the end of this year.

About the author

Deepungsu is a veteran football journalist who has been covering daily transfer roundups and news for over six years at Sportskeeda. He has written more than 9000 articles for the website, and has garnered over 20 million reads.

Deepungsu holds a PG degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree in Total Quality Management. He has an extensive two-decade long writing experience, which includes a decade of sports blogging. His writing prowess has even led his work getting cited on the legendary Franz Beckenbauer's Wikipedia page.

Inspired by Diego Maradona, Deepungsu played as an attacking midfielder for his local club at subdivision level in his initial years and scored an important goal or two. However, his all-time favorite footballer is Lionel Messi, and evidently, he feels Argentina's glory in 2022 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment for fulfilling his long-standing dream. He is also an ardent East Bengal fan.

Deepungsu has been a Manchester United supporter since the year 2000. Unsurprisingly, his favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scotsman helped him get through some of the toughest days of his life. Like the fiery Scot, Deepungsu also leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accuracy in articles and only relies on credible sources.

Despite believing in Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to create an iconic rivalry, Deepungsu reckons no one can match the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. He spends his leisure time writing about life on his blog, reading books, and playing the guitar.

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Edited by Deepungsu Pandit