Lionel Messi Breaks Historic Pele Record in Inter Miami’s Latest Win
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Lionel Messi scored the 71st free kick of his career during Inter Miami's 3-2 victory over New York City FC, surpassing Pelé's record for most free kicks scored in soccer history.
- The free kick, although aided by a deflection, marked another milestone for the 38-year-old Argentine, who remains a lethal free kick specialist.
- Messi now aims to surpass Juninho Pernambucano's record of 77 free kicks, needing six more to tie and seven to break the all-time record.
- Inter Miami, currently third in the MLS Eastern Conference, rely heavily on Messi, who has scored five of the team's ten goals this season across all competitions.
- Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized Messi's importance, stating that achieving Inter Miami's goals, including winning the Leagues Cup and MLS Cup, would be impossible without him.
