Lionel Messi Breaks Pele Free-Kick Record In Inter Miami Win

Lionel Messi moved ahead of Pelé on the all-time free-kick scoring list on Sunday, striking the 71st direct free kick of his career in Inter Miami’s 3-2 win over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. The goal brought Miami level at 2-2 in the 61st minute and added another milestone to Messi’s career during the 2026 season.

Inter Miami had fallen 2-1 behind when Messi stepped up over the dead ball and drove his effort past Matt Freese. The finish was not among the cleanest of Messi’s career, with the shot taking a deflection before beating the United States goalkeeper, but it still carried major significance. By reaching 71, Messi moved beyond Pelé in the historical rankings for career free kicks scored.

The result also mattered for Inter Miami after a difficult week. Javier Mascherano’s side had just been eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup in the round of 16, a competition the club had targeted strongly in 2026. Miami responded by defeating NYCFC, with new signing Micael scoring the late winner to seal a 3-2 victory.

Messi’s contribution has remained central to Inter Miami’s season. He has now scored five times across all competitions, accounting for half of the club’s 10 goals. He also scored Miami’s only goal over two legs against Nashville in the Concacaf Champions Cup tie, underlining how heavily the team has relied on him in key moments.

Javier Mascherano made that dependence clear after the win. “Clearly, he is a vital player for us if we are to achieve our objectives,” the Inter Miami manager said. “Quite frankly, without him, it would be impossible for us to reach the goals we have set for ourselves.”

Despite overtaking Pelé, Messi is still chasing one more landmark in free-kick history. Juninho Pernambucano remains the all-time leader with 77. Messi now needs six more to draw level and seven to move clear into sole possession of the record.

That chase remains open because there is still significant football ahead of him. Inter Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference on 10 points, level with Pascal Jansen’s side and three behind Nashville SC. Miami also continue to pursue silverware in the Leagues Cup and MLS Cup, with Messi still at the centre of those ambitions.