Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers of all time and on Monday he showed exactly why when he scored a brilliant goal from the set piece for Inter Miami.
Messi’s goal in the 85th minute helped Miami level the score at 4-4 after which they won 5-4 on penalties against FC Dallas in a Leagues Cup elimination game.
Messi’s free kicks are characterized by their power, accuracy, and curve. He is able to generate a lot of power from his kicks, even from long range. His accuracy is also incredible.
Against Dallas, he scored from just outside the penalty box with his famed left-foot as the ball went past goalkeeper Maarten Paes into the upper corner of the net.
The victory in the round of 16 sent Inter Miami into the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against the winner Monday night between Charlotte FC and Houston.
Messi’s free kicks are truly remarkable and the curve on his free kicks is also very difficult to save, as it makes it difficult for goalkeepers to judge where the ball will go.
Messi has scored in all four matches for Inter Miami, with seven goals total.
The fifth match in Texas in Messi’s illustrious career had a kickoff temperature of 38 degrees celsius.
Because of the high temperatures, teams took a heat break near the halfway point of each half.