Messi moves into second place on all-time free-kick goals, Ronaldo in ninth

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi is now second on the all-time free-kick goals list.

Messi has surpassed several legendary Brazilian players and is well ahead of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentina captain has now scored 75 direct free-kick goals in his career, while Ronaldo is on 63.

In 2026 alone, Messi scored six free-kicks and has overtaken Juninho Pernambucano (72), Roberto Dinamite (73) and Jair (74).

Messi is only behind Brazilian midfielder, Marcelinho Carioca, who has 78 to his name.

Ronaldo remains ninth on the all-time list, but the 41-year could still pass players such as Jorge Aravena (65), Siniša Mihajlović (67), and Marcos Assunção (68) before retiring.