Lionel Messi scores free-kick from near-impossible angle as incredible record within touching distance
Lionel Messi is just two goals away from equalling the all-time record for free-kick goals after scoring from a near-impossible angle against Columbus Crew.
Messi netted the 76th free-kick of his career during Inter Miami's 2-1 defeat on Sunday evening, moving him within touching distance of a long-standing record held by former Brazil international Marcelinho Carioca.
Carioca, who played for Flamengo and Corinthians and is credited with scoring his last free-kick for Brazilian side Santo Andre in 2009, was nicknamed “Angel's Foot” because of his ability from set-pieces.
Footage of Lionel Messi's free-kick against Columbus Crew is going viral
Before heading on international duty, Messi gave those inside the Hard Rock Stadium a moment to remember after scoring from a near-impossible angle to make it 1-1.
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It was a moment of brilliance from the 39-year-old forward, who extended his lead at the top of the Golden Boot race to three goals after netting his 21st goal in Major League Soccer this year.
As you can see in the footage below, the Argentine was positioned wide on the right-hand side of the pitch before whipping a left-footed strike directly towards goal.
Moments later, his strike curled over Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the far top corner of the net - a moment that brought a collective gasp from those inside the 65,000-capacity stadium.
Messi almost put Miami ahead on the hour mark but this time, Schulte tipped his shot over the bar, a save that proved decisive as Columbus scored an unexpected winner in the 99th minute.
Jamal Thiare pounced on a rebound after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo spilled Brais Mendez's effort, handing the visitors all three points.
'The time has come' - Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina on October 6
Last month, Messi announced his decision to retire from international football after two memorable decades in an Argentina shirt.
In a statement on social media, he said it was a decision that "hurt" but that "the time has come".
He wrote: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come.
"I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team."
Messi added: "I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”
The friendly between Argentina and Benin on October 6 will mark the end of Messi's international career. It will take place at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS
Jack Kenmare