In his memorable debut, Lionel Messi scored a decisive free-kick goal to give Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul. Top free-kick scorers since 2000
This goal from a direct free-kick placed Lionel Messi long ahead of Ronaldo among free-kick scorers.
Over the course of his career, Messi has scored 64 free-kick goals, well ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, this remarkable performance brings him closer to David Beckham, his new boss in Miami. Indeed, Messi is moving away from his long-standing rival Ronaldo, and gradually getting closer to the other free-kick stars. After Beckham’s 65, La Pulga is now behind Juninho’s 77 and Ronaldinho’s 66.
In fact, only a few goals separate him from these two soccer legends. However, it’s highly likely that the former Barça player will soon claim second place in this top 5.
Lionel Messi’s unquestionable talent for free-kicks is the result of the same hard work that Ronaldo puts in.
His technique is unique
According to observers, his surgical precision and ability to evade opposing defenses make him a master in this field. Every time he stands in front of the goal for this exercise, a palpable tension reigns in the stadium. As a result, spectators are in for a moment of magic.
The record 64 free-kick goals also testify to the longevity of La Pulga’s extraordinary career. However, it is important to note that the 2022 World Champion has won the hearts of soccer fans. His dedication to the sport and his constant pursuit of perfection have propelled him to the top and earned him numerous awards. However, the free-kick debate between Ronaldo and Messi is almost over, as the Albiceleste are well ahead.
Top free-kick scorers since 2000
Juninho 77
Juninho leads the league with 77 career free-kicks!
His first free-kick will come as no surprise to anyone, as his superb free-kicks have spread around the world.
Brazilian Juninho Pernambucano is a famous Olympique Lyonnais player who shone in Liga 1.
The number eight scored 77 free kicks during his career. We’ll show you the best of them.
He is without doubt the best free-kick taker of all time. The French Championship will live long in the memories of the Brazilians!
Ronaldinho 66
Ronaldinho is also one of the greatest set-piece takers of all time.
He is followed by Ronaldinho, who scored 66 goals in his career. The 66 free-kicks scored by “Ronnie” are summarized in the video below.
A must-see for fans of the Ballon d’Or 2005, lovers of the beautiful gesture and soccer in general. The Brazilian player will be entertaining us for many years to come.
The Brazilian has scored in every competition, from Ligue 1 to the Champions League.
And of course, he has brought home many trophies for teams like PSG and FC Barcelona! In other words, Brazil has given us two of its finest marksmen!
At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Ronnie scored one of the finest free-kicks of all time against England. Like Roberto Carlos, he will leave his mark on the public with the way he takes free-kicks.
David Beckham 65
David Beckham and the Premier League’s best free-kick taker
In the Premier League, third-placed David Beckham is the best free-kick taker. Whatever club he played for, this English player was scary from the very first moment!
Becks scored 18 goals, including his best-ever performance. He is ahead of France’s Thierry Henry. Finally, another Frenchman joins the ranking (and the biggest absentee): Laurent Robert
Lionel Messi 64
Lionel Messi still has a knack for free-kicks
When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi isn’t far behind.
La Pulga took 62 excellent shots, often into the top corners, and finished fourth.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is not only one of the two best players in the world, but also one of the best shooters today.
Here are the first 52 exploits of FC Barcelona idol Lionel Messi. Some of them have gone down in sporting history. If you want to shoot free kicks in FIFA, you need this player.
Cristiano Ronaldo 65
Cristiano Ronaldo operates on a free kick
There are also lesser-known names, such as Mihailovic and Rogério Ceni. On the contrary, two of the most popular players of the last decade feature in this ranking.
In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo is clearly one of the active players. The former Juventus player is in third place with 65 free kicks.
He is just behind English soccer legend David Beckham and just above Argentine icon Diego Maradona.
| Pos | Player | Scored free-kicks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Juninho | 77 |
| 2. | Ronaldinho | 66 |
| 3. | David Beckham | 65 |
| 4. | Cristiano Ronaldo | 65 |
| 5. | Lionel Messi | 64 |
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