Watch Video: Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Freekick as Inter Miami vs San Diego Ends in Stalemate

Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Freekick: Lionel Messi continued his remarkable 2026 MLS campaign by scoring a stunning free kick during Inter Miami CF’s 2-2 draw against San Diego FC in Matchday 27’s Sunday Night Soccer clash. The Argentine superstar reached another major MLS milestone with his 20th league goal of the season, while also taking his Inter Miami career tally to 101 goals across all competitions.

Messi curled a spectacular free kick into the net against San Diego FC to score his 20th MLS goal of the 2026 season. The strike helped the Inter Miami captain continue his extraordinary run since joining the club in July 2023.

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Free kick goal and it had to be HIM 🤩🤷‍♂️

Messi has become the second player in MLS history to score at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. He joins LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, who achieved the feat from 2023 to 2025.

The latest goal also extended Messi’s lead in the Golden Boot race. He currently leads MLS with 20 goals, 13 assists and 33 total goal contributions during the 2026 regular season.

Messi reached the 100-goal mark for Inter Miami earlier in the week when he scored during the club’s 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup. He followed that achievement with his free-kick goal against San Diego FC, taking his Miami career tally to 101 goals across all competitions.

The Inter Miami captain could become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP winner. With eight regular-season matches remaining, Messi has further opportunities to strengthen his case while continuing to lead the Golden Boot standings.

Aditya Pimpale is a sports journalist currently working with News X, with previous experience at WION, India TV and India Today. With a keen interest in cricket, football, Formula 1, tennis and other major sporting disciplines, he brings a versatile perspective to sports journalism. Aditya has extensive on-ground reporting experience, having covered multiple IPL seasons, including the 2025 and 2026 finals from the stadium. He also covered the 2026 T20 World Cup from the ground, including the final in Ahmedabad. His work focuses on breaking news, match reports, analysis, interviews, features, sports trends and engaging digital storytelling.