Lionel Messi has now beaten Ronaldo’s all time free kick record. In a bid to win a first international trophy with the Argentina national team, Messi has been in incredible form at the rescheduled Copa America in Brazil. The diminutive magician has scored two goals from direct free kicks at the ongoing Copa America.
Messi now has 58 goals from direct free kicks which is 2 more than Ronaldo’s 56 direct free kick goals.
In the match against Chile during the group stages, Lionel Messi scored a terrific free kick goal to go one better than his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo who also showed incredible form at the EURO 2020. However, non of Ronaldo’s 5 goals at the EURO 2020 came from direct free kicks.
Messi scored yet another brilliant free kick goal against Bolivia in the final group match to take his career haul of direct free kick goals to 58!
Lionel Messi’s heroics and his teammates’s determination means they will now face hosts Brazil in the Copa finals. Messi could further extend his number of goals scored from direct free kicks if he converts a free kick against Brazil.
At club level, the Barcelona forward was trailing behind his longtime rival Ronaldo–who scored 32 direct free kick goals for Real Madrid during his time in Spain–but has now come to level terms with the Juventus man.
Ronaldo versus Messi free kick goals (the stats)
Cristiano Ronaldo (free kick goals stats)
As at the time of filing, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 56 goals from direct free kicks in his career. 32 of those goals came during his time at Real Madrid, while 13 was scored for Manchester United. Ronaldo currently has just the 1 free goal for Juventus, while his tally for the Portuguese National team stands at 10.
Although it is still an incredible haul for CR7, his free kick conversion rate has greatly declined in recent seasons. The veteran used to be a feared marksman from dead balls from any range. However, Ronaldo now reaps more rewards from penalty kicks than free kicks. 3 of his 5 goals at the UEFA EURO 2020 came from the spot.
Lionel Messi (free kick goals stats)
Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi on the other hand has greatly improved his free kick conversion rate in recent seasons. He matched Ronaldo’s record for the most club career free kicks goals, scoring his 48th direct free kick goal for Barcelona in a 2-1 win over Valencia on in May, 2021. He was level with Ronaldo on total number of free kick goals before the Copa. However, has now overtaken the Portuguese following his Copa heroics. Messi has scored 58 direct free kick goals.
⚽️ ¡Tremendo Messi! El capitán de @Argentina metió un golazo ante Chile 👏🏼👏🏼
🇦🇷 Argentina 🆚 Chile 🇨🇱#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/kvViiLcoam
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) June 14, 2021
Lionel Messi is very lethal from set pieces, with his left boot, able to pick either top corners much to goalkeepers dismay. Messi now has 58 goals from direct free kicks in his career, equal with Ronaldo.
Who is the best free kick taker, Messi or Ronaldo?
Both players have proven to be prolific from free kicks at different points during their careers. While Ronaldo was more prolific in his 20’s, Messi became a free kick specialist in his 30’s.
It is difficult to call who is the best free kick taker, especially since they have the same number of goals. Your choice would be dependent on whose style you prefer. Ronaldo favors power and precision, while Lionel Messi prefers curlers.
Who has the most direct free kick goals between Messi and Ronaldo?
Lionel Messi with 58 direct free kick goals.
