Lionel Messi has moved into second place on the all-time list of direct free-kick goals after taking his career tally to 75. The Inter Miami and Argentina captain has surpassed several Brazilian legends and now sits well clear of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 63 direct free-kicks. Messi's remarkable run has seen him overtake Juninho Pernambucano, Roberto Dinamite, and Jair, who finished their careers with 72, 73, and 74 free-kick goals respectively. The 39-year-old has scored six direct free-kicks in 2026 alone, continuing his remarkable record from set-piece situations. Only Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho Carioca stands ahead of Messi, with 78 direct free-kick goals, while Ronaldo occupies ninth place on the all-time list.
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