(VIDEO) Lionel Messi’s fury at Inter Miami and the milestone he reached in football; he equaled Pelé
The Argentine forward played a key role in his team’s 4–2 victory over Orlando City in the Florida derby.
The latest edition of the Clásico del Sol (the Florida Derby) delivered more than just a thrilling comeback for Inter Miami CF against Orlando City; it provided a historic milestone. Lionel Messi proved once again that the set piece is his personal playground, reaching a goal tally that cements his status among the greatest marksmen to ever play the game.
With the stunning direct free kick that ignited Miami’s second-half reaction, the Argentine maestro reached 70 official career goals via free kicks. This figure pulls him level with the legendary Pelé and crowns him as the player with the second-most free-kick goals in official competitions, trailing only the specialist king, Juninho Pernambucano.
The Evolution of a Specialist
Reaching the "70 club" isn't merely a round number; it represents a career-long pursuit of excellence. Messi didn't become a master of the dead ball overnight. In his early seasons at FC Barcelona, he was just one of several options—often taking a back seat to established specialists like Ronaldinho or Thierry Henry.
Over time, the Rosario native embraced the challenge, transforming the free-kick routine into an art form. His progress involved:
- Run-up Modification: Shifting his body angle to generate more whip and dip.
- Ball Contact: Perfecting the "snap" of the ankle to ensure the ball clears the wall and drops quickly.
- Goalkeeper Analysis: Studying the subtle movements of keepers and the positioning of the wall to exploit even the smallest gaps.
Today, any foul committed near the edge of the box generates an immediate wave of expectation. Regardless of the stadium or the minute of the match, a heavy silence falls over the crowd the moment Messi sets the ball down. There is a universal feeling that something historic is about to happen.
A Symbolic Tie: Messi and Pelé
Equaling Pelé in this specific statistic carries profound symbolic weight. It represents a bridge between two different eras of football, united by a shared ability to resolve matches with a single stroke of genius.
While the Brazilian icon defined an era with his staggering natural talent and athleticism, Messi has dominated the modern game through a blend of precise technique, disciplined work ethic, and an unparalleled reading of the game. Seeing these two names side-by-side in the history books is a reminder of the timeless nature of greatness.
The Turning Point in Florida
For Inter Miami, this goal was about more than just a record; it was the spark for a vital victory. The comeback against their state rivals found its turning point in that specific strike—a ball that curled elegantly over the wall, leaving the goalkeeper with no options. It was a shot we have seen dozens of times throughout his legendary career, yet it never ceases to amaze.
Seventy transformed free kicks are not a product of luck. They are the ultimate proof of consistency, adjustment, and a relentless competitive mindset. Messi hasn't just hit a mythical number; he has made it clear that his legacy is measured in those fractions of a second where a single free kick changes the course of history.
