{
  "id": 11987168,
  "title": "Lionel Messi eyes historic free-kick record after latest goal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/lionel-messi-eyes-historic-free-kick-record-after-latest-goal",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T19:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lionel-messi-eyes-historic-free-190000625.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has edged closer to a historic free-kick record after scoring his 76th direct free-kick goal for Inter Miami in a match against Columbus Crew on September 27. The Argentine star's goal, a stunning curling effort from a tight angle, brought Inter Miami level before Columbus secured a 2-1 victory. The milestone has Messi two goals away from tying Brazilian legend Marcelinho Carioca's reported tally of 78 direct free-kick goals. Messi's free-kick production has been pivotal in his recent form, with the goals contributing to his 20th MLS goal of the 2026 season. The impressive feat occurred in an unusual situation for the Barcelona star, who found himself with limited space between the edge of the penalty area and the corner flag. Despite the challenge, Messi found a way to convert, demonstrating his continued prowess in front of goal from set pieces. His goal against Columbus was his fourth in as many Inter Miami matches, following his 100th for the club against Cruz Azul just days earlier. As Messi nears the record, the milestone remains a separate focus from Inter Miami's competitive finish in the 2026 MLS regular season.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi is closing in on another historic milestone after scoring his reported 76th direct free-kick goal against Columbus Crew. The Inter Miami star now sits 2 goals behind the widely cited 78-goal mark credited to Brazilian Marcelinho Carioca, adding another remarkable chapter to his decorated career.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi scores 76th direct free-kick goal for Inter Miami",
    "Goal brings Inter Miami level before Columbus Crew win 2-1",
    "Messi two goals away from tying Marcelinho Carioca's tally"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}