At 37, Lionel Messi continues to prove why he’s one of the greatest in the game. The Argentine superstar scored a dramatic 87th-minute goal to help Inter Miami secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against the Philadelphia Union, capping off a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit. The strike marked Messi’s sixth goal of the season.

Messi Surpasses Ronaldo

The goal – another clinical finish from a close-range free kick – adds to Messi’s growing tally of direct free-kick goals, a category where he now holds a slight edge over two of football’s finest. With 67 career free-kick goals, Messi has overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits at 64. He also surpasses Inter Miami co-owner and set-piece legend David Beckham, who finished his career with 65 such goals.

Last Season Brilliance

Last season, Inter Miami were a dominant force in Major League Soccer, finishing with a league-best 22-4-8 record. That performance set new benchmarks for points and win percentage, while their mere four losses matched the fewest in a single MLS season.

This year, however, the team has struggled to maintain that momentum.

“We’re coming off a stretch of poor results,” Messi admitted in a post-match interview with Apple TV following a recent match against Orlando. “But we have to keep working and focus on what’s ahead. With three or four games left in May, we need to finish strong to be ready for the Club World Cup.”