Messi Surpasses Beckham in Free Kick Tally
Lionel Messi has recently surpassed David Beckham’s tally of career free-kick goals, now standing at 66 free-kick goals compared to Beckham’s 65. This milestone was highlighted across various posts on X, indicating widespread acknowledgment and celebration of this achievement within the football community. Messi’s latest feat adds to his legendary status in football, showcasing his extraordinary skill from dead-ball situations. This development not only underscores Messi’s technical prowess but also adds a layer of symbolic significance, given Beckham’s ownership of Inter Miami, where Messi currently plays.
Beckham and Messi Statistics
Based on the information gathered, here’s a comparison of statistics between David Beckham and Lionel Messi:
- Age and Career Span: Messi was born on June 24, 1987, while Beckham was born on May 2, 1975, making Messi 37 and Beckham 49 as of the latest update. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until December 31, 2025.
- Market Value: Messi’s highest market value was €180 million, significantly higher than Beckham’s peak value of €40 million.
- Achievements: Messi has a more decorated career:
- National Team: Messi has won 6 titles, including a World Cup, which Beckham did not win.
- Club International: Messi has won 11 international titles, Beckham 2.
- Domestic: Messi has 28 domestic titles compared to Beckham’s 17.
- Ballon d’Or: Messi has won the Ballon d’Or 4 times, while Beckham was runner-up once.
- Free Kick Goals: Messi has surpassed Beckham’s tally with 66 free-kick goals against Beckham’s 65, showcasing Messi’s technical ability in dead-ball situations.
- Club Career: Both have had illustrious careers with significant clubs. Messi’s tenure with Barcelona saw him clin multiple La Liga titles and Champions Leagues, whereas Beckham’s move to Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain highlighted his global impact.
- Impact on MLS: Beckham’s move to the MLS in 2007 was groundbreaking, but Messi’s arrival in 2023 at Inter Miami has arguably had a more immediate and transformative effect, evident from the surge in team popularity and ticket sales.
- Playing Style: Beckham was known for his long passing, crossing, and set-piece taking, whereas Messi is recognized for his dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess.
- Current Engagement: While Beckham has retired from professional football and focuses on club ownership and other ventures, Messi continues to play, currently with Inter Miami, influencing the league with his performance and fan following.
The comparison highlights Messi’s edge in terms of individual accolades, club success, and market impact, especially in his current phase with Inter Miami. However, Beckham’s influence on the global popularity of football, particularly in the United States through the MLS, remains significant and historically notable.
