Messi's Cheeky Free-Kick Nicks Past Pelé – Leo Levels Up in Record Books!
Lionel Messi notched his 71st career free-kick to surpass Pelé, helping Inter Miami to a 3-2 win over New York City FC. The Argentine star, praised by boss Javier Mascherano as indispensable, now eyes Juninho Pernambucano's record of 77. Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference, chasing domestic glory.
Messi's Moment of Magic at Yankee Stadium
Picture this: Inter Miami trailing New York City FC 2-1 at Yankee Stadium, tension thicker than a post-match kebab. Up steps Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or wizard, to curl in his 71st career free-kick. Bam! A deflection helps it squirm past USMNT keeper Matt Freese in the 61st minute, levelling the score and etching Messi's name deeper into history.
It wasn't his silkiest set-piece – more ricochet roulette than pinpoint precision – but who cares? Freese might've had a shout at stopping it, yet Messi's aura turned a scruffy effort into pure gold. Inter Miami CF's official X post captured the pandemonium: pure GOOOOOL vibes with emojis flying everywhere.
The Herons didn't stop there, snatching a 3-2 thriller thanks to a late dagger from new boy Micael. Suddenly, the MLS Cup holders are third in the Eastern Conference, on 10 points, eyeballing Nashville SC just three ahead.
Surpassing Legends, Eyeing the Throne
At 38, Messi's still bending it like no other, now ahead of Pelé's 70 free-kick strikes. That's right, the Argentine maestro has toppled the Brazilian icon, as noted by SI Soccer. Chuck on another feather to his already stuffed cap.
But hold your pints – the summit beckons. Juninho Pernambucano lurks with 77, so Messi needs just six to match and seven to conquer. With MLS stretching out, a World Cup this summer, and two years left on his Inter Miami deal, he's got time. Stay fit, Leo, and that record's yours – easier said than done for a bloke who's carried more teams than a removal van.
Mascherano: 'Impossible Without Him'
Inter Miami desperately needed this after their Concacaf Champions Cup heartbreak, bowing out in the last 16 to Nashville. Messi notched their lone goal across two legs, and he's already bagged five of the side's 10 strikes this season. The man's a one-man goal machine.
Boss Javier Mascherano, another Argentine legend, didn't mince words post-match. "He's crucial for our targets," he said. "Frankly, without him, hitting our goals is impossible." Spot on, mate – Leagues Cup and MLS Cup dreams hinge on the little magician.
No Concacaf silverware this year, but silver linings abound. Messi's free-kick flair keeps the faithful buzzing, proving age is just a number when you've got that left peg. Inter Miami march on, with Leo leading the charge. What's next? Another record, or just more Miami mayhem? Grab your popcorn – or pint – this season's shaping up nicely.