Lionel Messi lit up the Club World Cup once again with a stunning free-kick goal against Porto — a strike that not only lifted his team but also brought Inter Miami back to life in the competition. In a crucial match, the Argentine stepped up at the perfect moment to show he’s still the man for the big occasions.

Messi, the free-kick master

No one’s surprised anymore when the Argentine star scores from a free kick — it’s something we’ve come to expect throughout his career. But what’s remarkable is how Messi’s brilliance from set pieces has only grown stronger in the final stages of his journey.

Since 2018, Messi has scored more free-kick goals (34) than penalties (33), a stat that proves, like fine wine, the No. 10 just keeps getting better with time. Every free kick is a work of art that cements his place among the greatest specialists the game has ever seen.

One step from the legends

This incredible run has placed Messi among the elite of free-kick takers: he now has 68 goals from set pieces, just two short of the legendary Pelé’s 70. It’s only a matter of time before he surpasses the Brazilian icon.

And while Juninho Pernambucano’s absolute record — that rocket of a left foot delivering 77 free-kick goals — still seems a bit distant, with Messi, nothing is ever impossible.

Fuel in the tank, magic in his boots

At 37, Lionel Messi keeps showing the world that he’s still got plenty of gas left and more than enough magic in his boots. Every match is proof that he won’t stop chasing records to add to an already legendary career. Who would dare put limits on Messi? We’re pretty sure the answer is: no one.