Lionel Messi added another goal to his career total. He scored from a direct free kick near the corner flag. It was his 76th free-kick goal and his 931st career goal. The strike came in Inter Miami’s match against the Columbus Crew.
Miami could not turn it into a win. Josef Martinez scored for Columbus in the 28th minute. Jamal Thiaré scored in the 99th minute. Miami’s winless run continued. They remain third in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a tougher week with Portugal. Against Wales, he had a goal ruled out for offside. He also missed from close range. Portugal won 1-0 through a Joao Felix goal.
In Portugal’s next match against Norway, Ronaldo was benched. He did not come on at all. Portugal won 2-1. Erling Haaland scored Norway’s only goal. It was the first time in more than 18 years that Ronaldo was an unused substitute for Portugal. The last time was on June 15, 2008, against Switzerland at Euro 2008.
Off the pitch, Messi posted about a special Argentina jersey collection. His farewell match is against Benin on October 6. Ronaldo shared posts from Portugal’s account. One showed him giving a pre-match speech before the Wales game. Another had photos from that match.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi deserves the Ballon d’Or. He also said Messi is not too worried about it. Morgan Rogers said Messi and Ronaldo are clearly the top two. He called Ronaldo his personal favourite. But he also said playing against Messi at 39 in the World Cup semi-final was unbelievable.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus explained his decisions. He said he took Ronaldo off against Wales because he needed Ramos to press. He felt Ramos gave more speed defensively. Against Norway, he had agreed Ronaldo would play the final half-hour. But the match did not require it. Ramos was playing well and had scored. Jesus said it was not to protect Ronaldo physically.
Messi has 931 goals and 424 assists. Ronaldo has 979 goals and 261 assists. Ronaldo did not add a goal or assist this week.
Lionel Messi Stuns Fans With Incredible Free-Kick Goal in Loss to Columbus Crew
Lionel Messi scored a stunning goal for Inter Miami on Sunday. It came from a free kick near the corner flag. The angle was very tight. Most players would have crossed the ball. Messi went for a goal instead. He curled it into the net. Fans online were shocked. Many called it impossible.
The goal was an equaliser. The Columbus Crew had taken the lead in the 28th minute. Josef Martinez scored from a penalty. Messi replied five minutes later. It was his 21st league goal of the season.
But Inter Miami could not hold on. They lost 2-1. The winning goal came deep in stoppage time. Brais Mendez shot from the edge of the box. Goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo could not hold it. Jamal Thiare reacted first and scored from close range.
Miami had chances to win. Messi forced a save in the 62nd minute. Substitute David Ayala scored later, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Columbus also hit the woodwork twice. Anass Zaroury was the player who hit the frame.
The loss hurts Miami’s playoff hopes. They are third in the Eastern Conference. They trail leaders Nashville by 14 points. Only seven regular-season games remain. Columbus are 12th with 29 points. They are four points outside the playoff places.
Messi has now retired from international football. He is focused on Inter Miami. Rumours about his full retirement continue. But he is still scoring goals like this one. Fans were amazed by his free kick. It was another reminder of his skill.
FAQs
Q. How many career goals has Lionel Messi scored?
A. Messi has scored 931 career goals.
Q. How many free-kick goals does Messi have
A. Messi has scored 76 free-kick goals.
Q. How many goals does Cristiano Ronaldo have?
A. Ronaldo has scored 979 career goals.
Q. Why did Ronaldo not play against Norway?
A. Portugal did not need him to enter the match.
Q. Who scored Norway’s goal against Portugal?
A. Erling Haaland scored Norway’s only goal.
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