Columbus: Lionel Messi produced another moment of extraordinary magic for Inter Miami Monday morning, curling home a spectacular direct free-kick from a near-impossible angle against Columbus Crew. The Argentine captain stood over a set-piece awarded near the right touchline in the 33rd minute, five minutes after Josef Martínez had put Columbus ahead. Rather than swinging a cross into the crowded penalty area, Messi whipped a precise direct shot about 7 yards off the right end line, that bypassed the wall and flew cleanly into the top corner of the Crew's net to equalise at 1–1. Although Columbus Crew ultimately claimed a 2–1 victory via a late stoppage-time goal, Messi’s jaw-dropping effort immediately captured global headlines.

The stunning strike against Columbus Crew marked the 76th direct free-kick goal of Messi's distinguished career across club and international football. The milestone moves the World Cup winner within just two free-kick goals of equaling the all-time historic record of 78 set by retired Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho Carioca. Having already surpassed former Brazil international Jair (74) and Roberto Dinamite (73), the Inter Miami star now stands alone in second place on football's all-time free-kick leaderboards as he pursues the top spot.

Messi played the full 90 minutes against Columbus, registering three shots and completing 25 passes alongside his goal.