Lionel Messi moves to second place on the all-time direct free-kick goals list after reaching 75 career free-kick goals, according to reports citing updated rankings. The sources say Messi is now three goals behind the record-holder.
Both outlets also place Cristiano Ronaldo in ninth on the same list. The Daily Post Nigeria report states Ronaldo has 63 direct free-kick goals, while The Punch Nigeria notes Ronaldo’s position without adding additional context. The reports frame the change as a milestone in Messi’s career and highlight movement up the all-time rankings, including that Messi surpasses multiple past players along the way. One source also mentions Messi’s free-kick output during the 2026 year, stating he scored six free-kicks in that period, while the other focuses on the overall list movement. Overall, the outlets agree on the ranking positions and key totals for Messi and Ronaldo.
