Lionel Messi steps up for the free kick, bending the ball around the wall and into the corner. How many times have we seen him do that? It’s becoming routine for him! They might as well start planning a statue for Messi outside the new Inter Miami stadium.
Taylor Twellman correctly asks, “Are there enough people on the wall, and are they tall enough?” It doesn’t matter for Messi though, as he bends the soccer ball around the wall and into the near post. After the fact, it’s clear the Columbus Crew needed one more player on the outside.
Messi doesn’t smash it or kill it; he almost caresses the ball into the corner. Surely, the Columbus Crew keeper could have done better – his positioning just doesn’t seem right. As though he’s not sure which way to lean or cheat towards. But giving away a free kick in that spot, so close to your goal against Messi, is just dangerous.
Believe it or not, there was a time when Messi was not a free-kick specialist. During his years at Barcelona, and perhaps with some help from Ronaldinho, he became an expert though. At the height of his Barcelona career, Messi successfully converted approximately one out of every ten free kicks he took, a rate regarded as absurdly good in professional football.
With the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield on the line, this wasn’t just any ordinary free kick. It could mean another trophy for Inter Miami.
Not sure what club owner David Beckham thinks of seeing another Messi free kick go in, just very, very happy. Moreover, you could probably say that Messi is just as good at taking them now as Beckham in his prime.
It’s been clear from the start that Messi has been an incredible signing, not just for MLS but for Inter Miami. Financial numbers are starting to come out showing just how good this has been. From ESPN: “Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami generated revenue of $50-$60 million in 2022, according to the club. It swelled to $120-$130 million in 2023, but in 2024, the team is projected to earn over $200 million in revenue, dwarfing previous numbers and setting a club record.”
The question, though, is how much longer can Messi play? It seems like he wants to compete in the World Cup in the United States, and he just doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Inter Miami might have him for a couple more years.
Watch the free kick goal from Lionel Messi right here. As far as stats go, Messi has scored 65 career free kick goals and Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 64 in their pro soccer careers. I guess this means 66 for Messi!
Here comes another stunning free-kick goal from Lionel Messi 😮💨
🎥: @MLS pic.twitter.com/MRnXh2tScM
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) October 3, 2024
Update: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have secured the Supporters’ Shield trophy, marking an amazing achievement for the club as the best team in the regular season. Messi has contributed 17 goals and 15 assists in 17 games this year. This brings his total trophy count to 46. Additionally, he has surpassed David Beckham’s free kick total of 65, adding another milestone to his incredible soccer career.
