Messi Climbs To 2nd On All-Time Free-Kick List, Ronaldo 9th

Lionel Messi has moved into second place on the all-time list of direct free-kick goals after taking his career tally to 75.

The Inter Miami and Argentina captain has surpassed several Brazilian legends and now sits well clear of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 63 direct free-kicks.

Messi’s remarkable run has seen him overtake Juninho Pernambucano, Roberto Dinamite and Jair, who finished their careers with 72, 73 and 74 free-kick goals respectively.

The 39-year-old has scored six direct free-kicks in 2026 alone, continuing his remarkable record from set-piece situations.

Only Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho Carioca stands ahead of Messi, with 78 direct free-kick goals.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, occupies ninth place on the all-time list with 63 goals.

The Portugal captain, 41, could still climb the rankings, with Jorge Aravena on 65, Siniša Mihajlović on 67 and Marcos Assunção on 68 within reach.

Messi’s latest milestone adds to his long list of individual achievements, with the Argentine continuing to produce decisive moments from set pieces during his career.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has established himself as one of the most prolific free-kick takers in the history of the game, while Ronaldo remains among the leading scorers from dead-ball situations.