Lionel Messi has recorded two free-kick goals in 2026, and also reached 71 in this category compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not scored from that situation and remains with 63 free-kicks in his career. Messi’s first goal of the year came in the match against Orlando City SC during Matchday 2 of the MLS season.

Messi scored that first free-kick in the 90th minute against Orlando City to secure the win and earn valuable points for Inter Miami. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has found it more difficult to score from direct free kicks in recent years.

When was the last time Cristiano Ronaldo scored a free kick?

The last time Cristiano Ronaldo scored a free-kick goal was on August 27, 2024, during a Saudi Pro League match with Al Nassr. In that game, he scored his team’s second goal in a 4-1 win over Al Feiha, delivering a precise strike that cleared the wall and went into the top corner.

This goal was especially significant as it brought him to 899 official goals. It also made Ronaldo the first player in soccer history to score a direct free kick in 23 consecutive seasons, a streak that ended in 2025.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, although he has continued scoring regularly through open play, penalties and headers, he has not found the net from a direct free-kick in official competition, keeping that goal against Al Feiha as his most recent in that category.

The competition remains active

Despite Messi’s consistency in this area, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be a prolific scorer, and the race toward 1,000 career goals remains active, with Ronaldo at 965 official goals and Lionel Messi at 901, including the free kick against NYCFC to complete the comeback 3-2 for Inter Miami.

Shortly after the hosts put themselves in front at Yankee Stadium, the Argentine star fired home a long-range free kick, with a bit of help as the shot was deflected by an opponent.

This is Messi’s fourth goal in as many games in the 2026 MLS season, in his return to league action after missing the goalless draw against Charlotte FC on Matchday 4.

Messi extends scoring count after reaching 1,000 career goals

The free-kick goal in New York comes only a few days after Messi reached 1,000 in his career, with the former Barcelona star achieving the milestone during Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup exit.

Messi scored his 1,000th career goal early against Nashville SC, though it wasn’t enough for Inter Miami as Cristian Espinoza’s equalizer proved the difference for the visitors due to the away goals rule.

Messi gets closer to free-kick goals record

Still, Nashville SC head coach B.J. Callaghan labeled Messi as ‘the best’ after the game. Only a few days later, the Argentine delivered another goal to continue chasing yet another record in his illustrious career.

With his equalizer at Yankee Stadium, Messi reached 71 career free-kick goals. He’s now only seven shy of the all-time record, held by Marcelino Carioca with 78.

The second half saw Inter Miami respond quickly, with Messi’s creativity and Micael’s decisive header helping the team take the lead and complete the comeback. NYCFC had opportunities to equalize, but St. Clair and Miami’s defense held firm.

Both sides battled intensely in midfield, with tactical changes from Mascherano and NYCFC keeping the match dynamic. Ultimately, Inter Miami’s persistence and clinical finishing made the difference in this thrilling MLS encounter.

[Watch NYCFC vs Inter Miami live in the USA on Apple TV]

With first place in the Eastern Conference on the line, Inter Miami head into this clash looking to regain momentum after a frustrating scoreless draw against Charlotte. The Florida team, still reeling from its recent Champions Cup exit, is eager to get back on track behind Lionel Messi and company.

However, New York City present a tough challenge. Sitting on 10 points, NYCFC know a victory would push them to 13 and potentially vault them into the top spot, setting the stage for a pivotal showdown with major implications in the early-season standings.

When will the NYCFC vs Inter Miami match be played?

NYCFC play against Inter Miami this Sunday, March 22, in a 2026 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM (ET).

NYCFC vs Inter Miami: Time by State in the USA

ET: 1:00 PM
CT: 12:00 PM
MT: 11:00 PM
PT: 10:00 PM

How to watch NYCFC vs Inter Miami in the USA

Tune Apple TV to catch the 2026 MLS regular season showdown between NYCFC and Inter Miami live in the USA.

[Watch LA Galaxy vs NYCFC live in the USA on Apple TV]

The 2026 MLS season opens with two clubs eager to shift the narrative. New York City FC reached the conference finals in 2025 but watched their title hopes collapse in a 5-1 loss to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

Now, with ambitions of returning to the MLS Finals for the first time since 2021, NYCFC look to start fast. Across the pitch, the LA Galaxy aim to rebound from a disappointing campaign and reassert themselves as championship contenders.

When will the LA Galaxy vs NYCFC match be played?

LA Galaxy and NYCFC this Sunday, February 22, in a 2026 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).

LA Galaxy vs NYCFC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs LAFC in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2026 MLS regular season showdown between LA Galaxy and NYCFC live in the USA.

Messi reacted on his social media accounts after the match, noting that the job isn’t finished yet. “We still have one more step… Eastern Conference champions but we still have the MLS Cup Final ahead,” Messi wrote, keeping the focus on the league title match.

It wasn’t Messi’s most prolific outing — and it didn’t need to be. His teammates handled most of the scoring, especially Tadeo Allende, who tied the MLS postseason goalscoring record with a remarkable hat trick on the biggest stage of Inter Miami’s season.

Even without delivering a vintage attacking performance, Messi still contributed with an assist on the goal by Mateo Silvetti. The win also ensured that Inter Miami will host MLS Cup, edging both the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC on total points (65) earned throughout the season.

The incredible record Messi achieved

With the assist to Silvetti, Lionel Messi reached 405 career assists, moving into sole possession of the all-time record. He had entered the match tied at 404 with Ferenc Puskas before setting a new milestone in Inter Miami’s historic victory.

How the match unfolded

The standout performer of the night was Allende, who scored three of Inter Miami’s five goals. Telasco Segovia and Silvetti added the others. Inter Miami immediately imposed their tempo, jumping to a 2-0 lead within 23 minutes thanks to two strikes from Allende — the first a clean right-footed finish and the second a powerful header off a cross from Jordi Alba that left goalkeeper Matt Freese with no chance.

New York City FC pulled one back in the 37th minute, creating a brief sense that the match could tighten. But Inter Miami responded forcefully after halftime. With Messi’s assist, Silvetti delivered the third, and the hosts closed the night with two late goals to seal the dominant 5-1 result at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami will play the 2025 MLS Cup final on Saturday, December 6th, at Chase Stadium against the Vancouver Whitecaps, who beat San Diego FC in the other Conference Final.

Javier Mascherano’s team entered Chase Stadium determined to reach its first MLS Cup final and avoid falling in front of their home crowd. This intent was immediately reflected in Inter Miami’s intense pressing during the opening minutes, which paid off when Tadeo Allende scored the first goal in the 14th minute.

After striking first, the Herons capitalized on their momentum, and barely ten minutes later, Allende scored again with a strong header to extend the Inter Miami lead. Just when everything seemed rosy, Maxi Moralez delivered a superb cross for Justin Haak to score the goal that pulled one back for New York City FC.

However, the entire second half belonged to the home side. They capitalized on every opportunity they had, with Mateo Silvetti, Telasco Segovia, and finally, Allende again, scoring to seal the dominant victory.

Lionel Messi chasing his first MLS Cup title

The Argentine superstar faces an unparalleled opportunity to conquer his first MLS Cup title. Since his arrival in Miami in 2023, Messi has already secured the Leagues Cup title in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

However, the captain still has a few trophies remaining to complete his haul with Inter Miami. The MLS Cup is one of them, which he can secure this Saturday, December 6th, when Inter Miami host the decisive final match.

Additionally, Messi is also missing a Concacaf Champions Cup title, as Inter Miami were eliminated in the semifinals this year by the Vancouver Whitecaps. The other pending trophy for the Argentine is the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where Inter Miami reached the final in 2023 but fell to the Houston Dynamo in a match that Messi missed due to injury.

The match reflected Miami’s superior rhythm and intensity, as they consistently pressed high, forced errors, and dictated the tempo. Even when NYCFC attempted to respond through possession, Miami’s collective structure and quick transitions proved too strong. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets played pivotal roles, combining experience with precision to elevate the team’s play on both ends of the field.

By the final whistle, Miami’s dominance left no doubt about their place in the MLS Cup final. The squad’s balance between defensive discipline and explosive attacking sequences defined the night, and the emergence of Allende as the match’s standout figure added another layer to Miami’s growing identity. Now, Inter Miami turn their focus to the league’s ultimate stage, carrying belief, star power, and strong form into the title match.

The Argentine star is performing at an extraordinary level in the United States, already producing six goals and six assists across the four matches from the first round and the conference semifinal — a postseason record in MLS.

Messi‘s most recent performance was one for the highlight reels: he opened the scoring on the road against FC Cincinnati. Then he delivered three assists, allowing his teammates to finish the job and punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference final.

Regardless of the odds, New York City FC have every reason to believe they can compete. Their standout performer is goalkeeper Matt Freese — also part of the United States national team — who was exceptional in the semifinal against the Philadelphia Union, the best team of the regular season. His five crucial saves, including one in the final moments, carried the New Yorkers into Saturday’s final.

What happens if Inter Miami win vs New York City FC?

This matchup is a single-elimination game. The winner advances to the MLS Cup final, while the loser begin their offseason immediately. If Inter Miami win, they will clinch a spot in the league’s championship match and claim the Eastern Conference title. They would then wait for the winner between San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps from the Western Conference.

What happens if Inter Miami and New York City FC tie?

If Inter Miami and NYCFC are tied after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to two full 15-minute extra-time periods. If the score remains level after extra time, the teams will go to a penalty shootout to determine the winner and the representative in the MLS Cup final.

What happens if Inter Miami lose vs New York City FC?

If Inter Miami lose, their season will come to an end, as they would be eliminated from the postseason and miss out on the MLS Cup final. New York City FC would move on to face the winner of the other conference final between San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

[Watch Inter Miami vs New York City FC live in the USA on Apple TV]

Inter Miami enter this matchup riding the momentum of one of their strongest showings of the 2025 campaign, dominating a top regular-season contender in a statement-making 4–0 performance powered by Lionel Messi’s brilliance.

With a spot in the final now within reach, Miami turn their attention to a daunting hurdle in New York City FC, a squad coming off a stunning knockout of Eastern Conference leader Philadelphia and eager to deliver another shock by halting Messi and his surging crew.

When will the Inter Miami vs New York City FC match be played?

Inter Miami face New York City FC this Saturday, November 29, in the 2025 MLS conference semifinals, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs New York City FC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs New York City FC in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 MLS regular season showdown between Inter Miami and New York City FC live in the USA.

NYCFC enters the match with confidence after eliminating Philadelphia in the semifinals, relying on structured defending and quick transitions. Their tactical discipline creates a high-stakes setup, where pacing, pressure and precision will matter in equal measure under playoff tension.

As anticipation builds, all eyes remain on Miami’s final roster decisions. Messi’s availability and form — fresh off a header for Inter Miami’s opening goal in their semifinal win — have fueled expectations. Supporters and pundits alike are eager to see whether the star forward will take the field tonight.

Is Messi playing today?

Lionel Messi is expected to play in tonight’s Eastern Conference Final against NYCFC. He trained fully all week, with no medical or disciplinary issues reported, and head coach Javier Mascherano is likely to include him. Given his recent contributions, Messi remains central to Miami’s attacking plans as they aim for a breakthrough into the MLS Cup Final.

Inter Miami’s probable lineup vs NYCFC

Inter Miami is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation that balances ball control with attacking threats, especially on the wings and through midfield transitions. The projected starting XI includes experienced midfielders and creative forwards, with Messi leading the frontline alongside pacey wingers to exploit NYCFC’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Rios Novo; Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen, Alba; De Paul, Busquets, Baltasar Rodriguez; Allende, Messi, Silvetti.