The American night once again offered its share of magic. Trailing 2-0 on his home turf with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi once again donned his savior costume. A double, an upset victory (4-2), and a gesture which reminded the whole world that he remained, even at 38, an unrivaled artist. A curling shot of which he has the secret, a ball that floats, a skylight that trembles. A magnificent goal, but above all a goal for history.
Messi equals Pelé, Juninho in his sights
Because this new masterpiece was not trivial. It was the 70th direct free kick goal of his career. A colossal total which allows him to join another absolute legend in the pantheon of fireworks: King Pelé. The Argentinian and the Brazilian now share second place in the ranking of the best free kick scorers in history. Before them, a single man, a single master, who still seems untouchable: the Brazilian Juninho Pernambucano and his 77 achievements.
This top 10 looks like a constellation of geniuses. Behind the leading trio, we find a list that makes you dizzy: Ronaldinho and the Argentinian Victor Legrottaglie (66), David Beckham (65), the eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo (64), Diego Maradona (62), our national Michel Platini (61) and the late Siniša Mihajlović (60). An assembly of legends that Messi continues to dominate with his talent.
Juninho’s record, an almost impossible mission?
The question is now on everyone’s lips: can the Argentinian go after Juninho’s record? Seven goals, the gap doesn’t seem that big. But at his age, the mission is a daring gamble. If he has regained formidable efficiency in the exercise since his arrival in MLS, time is working against him. Every free kick is an opportunity, but each passing season brings it a little closer to the end.
And this is perhaps where Juninho’s performance takes on its full dimension. Seeing him sit, again and again, at the top of this ranking is a reminder of the incredible talent of the former Olympique Lyonnais player. His floating strikes, his unique technique, marked an entire generation and continue to make him the undisputed master of the discipline. An art that he raised to a level of perfection never equaled.
Top 10 best free kick takers in history
| Rank | Player | Free kick goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juninho Pernambucano | 77 |
| 2 | Pele | 70 |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 70 |
| 4 | Ronaldinho | 66 |
| 4 | Victor Legrottaglie | 66 |
| 6 | David Beckham | 65 |
| 7 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 64 |
| 8 | Diego Maradona | 62 |
| 9 | Michael Platini | 61 |
| 10 | Sinisa Mihajlovic | 60 |
