Messi's Incredible Free-Kick Record Since Turning 30

Lionel Messi has scored 72 direct free-kicks in his career, with 33 coming before he turned 30 and 39 coming afterwards.

A late-career strength

The figures point to an unusual pattern for a player so often defined by pace and dribbling in his early years. From around 2015 onwards, free-kicks became one of his sharpest weapons.

Messi’s technique has evolved over time, with better control over the wall, improved angle selection and consistent accuracy helping him turn set pieces into regular goals.

Across club and country

He has used that skill at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and with Argentina, often changing important matches with direct free-kicks.

The source also says Messi added another standout set-piece goal at the 2026 World Cup, underlining that the delivery remains a major part of his game as his career moves on.

Analysts cited in the source argue that his success is not just about striking technique. They point to hours of practice, reading how the ball behaves and staying calm in key moments as part of the reason his record has kept improving.