On a dramatic Club World Cup night in Atlanta, Lionel Messi once again reminded the soccer world of his magic. With Inter Miami trailing against Portuguese giants Porto, it was the Argentine icon who stepped up and delivered a moment of brilliance. But the victory did more than keep Inter Miami’s tournament hopes alive — it placed Messi in a unique class of free-kick legends alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
So, where does Messi rank in the all-time free-kick scorers list? That’s where this historic night truly becomes unforgettable.
The match began ominously for Inter Miami, who were hoping to bounce back from a disappointing draw against Al Ahly in their Group A opener. Just eight minutes in, a VAR decision went against the MLS side, awarding Porto a penalty after Noah Allen fouled João Mario. Samu Aghehowa converted the spot-kick, giving the Portuguese club a 1-0 lead and putting Miami under immediate pressure.
Despite Porto’s dominance in the first half, the Herons refused to buckle. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made several critical saves, and a long-range strike by Alan Varela that hit the post and deflected off the Argentine shot-stopper before being cleared signaled how narrow the margin truly was.
But after the break, Miami responded with intensity. Telasco Segovia found the equaliser just two minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a cross from Marcelo Weigandt and finishing into the top corner. Then came the moment that turned the tide — Messi’s masterful free-kick.
Moment of magic
In the 54th minute, a foul on Luis Suarez gifted Messi a chance just outside Porto’s penalty area. What followed was textbook Messi brilliance: a curling, left-footed strike that soared over the wall and into the top right corner, leaving goalkeeper Claudio Ramos rooted.
“I took advantage of the space the goalkeeper left me,” Messi told DAZN after the match. “Very happy because we were left with a bitter taste in our mouths after the first game.”
That goal secured Miami’s 2-1 victory, their first-ever win over a European team in a competitive FIFA tournament, and snapped a 12-year, 31-match unbeaten streak held by European clubs at the Club World Cup.
Messi’s place among free-kick legends
Messi’s goal against Porto wasn’t just a match-winner. It marked the 68th free-kick goal of his storied career — and his fifth since joining Inter Miami. Thus, the veteran now ranks third in the all-time list of most free-kick goals in soccer history.
Most free-kick goals in soccer history
- Juninho – 77 goals
- Pele – 70 goals
- Lionel Messi – 68 goals
- Ronaldinho – 66 goals
- Víctor Legrotaglie – 66 goals
