Lionel Messi scored his 68th career direct free-kick goal on June 19, 2025, during Inter Miami’s match against Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup. This achievement places Messi third on the all-time list of direct free-kick scorers, behind only Juninho Pernambucano with 77 goals and Pele with 70.
For comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 64 direct free-kick goals so far in his career. Messi’s goal came in a historic match for Inter Miami, a team aiming to become the first Major League Soccer (MLS) club to defeat a European opponent in an official competition.
Historic Match Against Porto and Messi’s Decisive Free-Kick
Inter Miami faced Portugal’s Porto in the 2025 Club World Cup knockout stage, under pressure to secure a win to progress. Porto took an early lead in the eighth minute through a penalty scored by Samu Aghehowa. Despite this setback, Inter Miami responded with Telasco Segovia equalizing early in the second half.
Shortly after, Messi was fouled just outside the penalty area, earning a crucial direct free-kick opportunity. Positioned centrally outside the D-box, Messi chose a difficult shot, lifting the ball over Porto’s defensive wall and aiming it toward the goalkeeper’s side. Porto’s goalkeeper, Claudio Ramos, was unable to stop the expertly placed shot from finding the net.
This goal was not only Messi’s 68th direct free-kick but also the winning strike that made Inter Miami the first MLS team to beat a European club in an official tournament match.
Messi’s Direct Free-Kick Success Since Joining Inter Miami
Since arriving at Inter Miami in 2023 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended, Lionel Messi has scored five direct free-kick goals for the club. From the start, he made an immediate impact, contributing to Inter Miami’s victory in the Leagues Cup during his debut season.
He scored two free-kick goals during the Leagues Cup tournament. Messi’s first MLS direct free-kick goal came in the previous season against Columbus Crew. In May 2025, he scored another direct free-kick against Philadelphia Union, securing a late 3-3 draw for Miami in a crucial league match.
Messi’s most recent free-kick against Porto again demonstrated his exceptional skill and is a strong reminder of why many regard him as the Greatest of All Time. Notably, Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of 2025, raising questions about his next career move.