From global glory to supremacy in free-kicks, Lionel Messi eyes one last record before retirement
Argentine football legend, Lionel Messi, turned 38 on June 24. Another historic milestone recorded in his years of achievements. Whether it is a scintillating dribble or a game winning strike, Messi has established a legacy that keeps on inspiring good as he challenges the clock with his continued excellence in the field.
During the beginning of his international career, Messi was strongly criticized about failure to bring Argentina major trophies. Nevertheless, he shut his critics when he helped the national team to win the Copa America two times, FIFA World Cup, and a Finalissima, booking a solid place as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game.
In 2021, Messi moved to Paris saint germain after a glorious career at FC Barcelona. After spending time in France, he transferred with big noise to Inter Miami. As it stands now, he is still impressing as he features in the Club World Cup with the American team.
At the age of 38, Messi has remained to produce accomplishments similar to which younger players could only dream of. His striking free-kick goal against FC Porto recently to earn Inter Miami a 2-1 Club World Cup win has shown that his magic has not still died down.
However, since 2018 Messi has scored 34 times directly with free-kicks compared to 33 times in penalty situations. Overall, he has scored 68 free-kick goals, which he ranks third in career history behind Pele and Juninho Pernambucano (70 and 77 respectively).
Lionel Messi is on the verge of creating history as he might become the highest free-kick scorer of all time, given his current tempo. Although speculations indicate that he might step aside after the 2026 World Cup FIFA, his exceptional competence in physical fitness creates an impression that he might be playing years ahead.
Lionel Messi will face his former club and current European champions PSG on Sunday, June 29 at the Round of 16 clash of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
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