Messi breaks drought with sensational set piece to save Miami

After a rocky few weeks, Inter Miami salvaged a crucial draw on Saturday night during a challenging visit to Subaru Park to face the Philadelphia Union in the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign. One of the goals in the 3-3 tie came from a sensational Lionel Messi free kick, as the captain made clear he’s determined to lead the team out of its current slump.

Yes, the Argentine star had already scored in the recent 4-1 rout of the New York Red Bulls, and also netted in the painful 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United. But this one felt different. With Miami trailing 3-1, Messi stepped up to take a free kick and – in trademark fashion – reignited Javier Mascherano’s squad. Minutes later, Telasco Segovia equalized to secure the draw.

Following a clear foul on the edge of the box, Messi – wearing the No 10 shirt – didn’t hesitate to take the set piece. With the tension mounting, Philadelphia’s Kai Wagner tried to block a possible chip over the wall. But the left-back wasn’t ready for Messi’s decision to go low and hard toward the near post, catching 19-year-old goalkeeper Andrew Rick off guard. Despite Rick’s effort to reach it, Messi drilled it in for 3-2, setting off wild celebrations from traveling fans.

Messi in MLS 2025

It’s been a slightly different season for the World Cup winner. Saturday’s goal marked his first successful free kick in this year’s MLS, after 10 attempts. Interestingly, he’s also tried seven in the Concacaf Champions Cup without scoring.

Another noteworthy stat: this was his first goal from outside the box this season. His five other goals have come from inside the area, and he has yet to convert a penalty in 2025.

Through 11 appearances – 10 of them starts – Messi now has six goals and two assists in league play. With plenty of the season still ahead, the captain will no doubt keep trying to punish opponents with the weapon he’s refined over years at the top.

Climbing the all-time free-kick chart

One eye-catching milestone: Saturday’s strike brought Messi’s career tally to 67 free-kick goals. That puts him just three behind Pelé (70) and 10 short of record-holder Juninho Pernambucano (77).

He recently overtook David Beckham (65), and has now also passed Victor Legrotaglie and Ronaldinho (66). Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, remains further back with 64.

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