Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Star Trolled After Attempt to 'Copy' Cristiano Ronaldo Fails Miserably

• Lionel Messi played in Mexico for the first time on Wednesday in the CONCACAF Champions Cup
• Monterrey FC defeated Inter Miami 5-2 on aggregate to send Messi packing in the competition
• The Argentine star played one of his worst free kicks ever during that game on Wednesday

Lionel Messi had a disappointing performance in yesterday's CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal against Monterrey CF, notably highlighted by his unsuccessful free kick attempt.

Despite having an opportunity from outside the box, Messi's execution fell short of expectations.

In the 32nd minute, with Inter Miami trailing 1-0, Messi had the chance to level the score, but unfortunately, his shot missed the target by a significant margin.

After taking the kick, Messi glanced at the pitch, and to some extent, his observation was accurate, as the grass in the Monterrey stadium was in a dismal state.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

Messi has notched an impressive 65 career free-kick goals, establishing himself as one of the finest in the art of set-pieces.

In the previous year, Messi found the net with five free-kick goals while playing for PSG, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team.

During his debut for Inter Miami last summer in the 2023 Leagues Cup match against Liga MX side Cruz Azul, Messi marked the occasion by scoring a free-kick goal.

Messi vs Ronaldo free kick this year

Up until now in 2024, Messi has yet to score any goals from free-kicks across his 13 matches played for Inter Miami in the MLS, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and friendly matches.

In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo has netted two free-kick goals this year, both in the same match.

Ronaldo's impressive feat occurred during Al Nassr's 8-0 victory against Abha in the Saudi Pro League.

Lionel Messi goals: 15 of the best goals by The Messiah of football

Football

Messi's league free Kick attempts this year

In the ongoing 2023/24 league season, Messi has made 12 free-kick attempts so far, but his conversion rate stands at 0.0% as he is yet to score from a free kick this year. His most successful season in terms of free-kick conversion was during the 2018/19 La Liga season, where he achieved a 14.6% conversion rate from 41 attempts, resulting in six goals.

Looking ahead, Messi aims to alter this statistic in Inter Miami's upcoming MLS match against Sporting Kansas City. The game is set to take place at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Countries where Messi played the most games

Sports Brief recently reported on the countries in which Messi played the most games.

Spain topped the list, with the Argentine star playing 698 matches in that country.

He spent the majority of his career with FC Barcelona.