Messi overtakes Ronaldo to become highest scorer of free kicks

Lionel Messi’s goal for Argentina in their 1-1 draw with Chile at the Copa America, has seen him surpass Cristiano Ronaldo, as the active footballer to score the most free kicks. He has now scored 57 free kicks in his career, one more than Portugal captain, Ronaldo. Messi is however five goals short of Diego Maradona’s record of 62 free kicks. The Barcelona superstar also became Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer in official games with his strike, bagging his 39th goal in 98 games and overtaking Gabriel Batistuta. Messi has scored a total of 73 goals for Argentina. The 33-year-old also joined Americo Tesoriere (1920-25) as the only player to have featured in six Copa Americas for Argentina.