Messi's stunning free-kick goal: how close is he to the record for that type of goal and the "battle of the 1000" with Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi scored a notable free-kick goal during a Major League Soccer match between Inter Miami and the Columbus Crew.

With this latest conversion, Messi is now only two goals away from tying Marcelinho Carioca's historical record as the all-time leading scorer from free kicks. The milestone also contributes to ongoing comparisons regarding his career goal tally relative to Cristiano Ronaldo.