Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the most complete footballers in history, but beyond his dribbling, passing and goal-scoring ability, he has also developed into one of football’s most dangerous direct free-kick specialists. With 74 career free-kick goals according to the statistic you’re highlighting, Messi has built a remarkable collection of goals from dead-ball situations. Each one demonstrates a combination of technique, concentration, intelligence and extraordinary control of the ball.