Lionel Messi flashes World Cup stare then curls free-kick goal for Inter Miami

MC (@CrewsMat10) posted on X as Lionel Messi flashed the raised-eyebrow, pursed-lip stare, and the clip drew 8,919 likes.

"Lionel Messi recreated that iconic stare against England at the World Cup, and 10 seconds later, he scored a stunning free kick goal.😂🔥"

The 39-year-old stood over a free kick from an extremely tight angle near the right side of the goal for Inter Miami against the Columbus Crew. It was the same look from his exchange with Jude Bellingham during Argentina's 2-1 World Cup semifinal win over England in Atlanta.

"There were zero problems with Messi. We were talking about a foul, actually," Bellingham said. He added, "It was a privilege to face Leo."

Messi struck with his left foot and curled the ball into the net for the equalizer. A fan shot showed how sharply the free kick bent toward goal, resembling an Olimpico. Columbus had taken the lead via a Josef Martinez penalty, and Miami lost 2-1.

The goal was Messi's 76th career direct free-kick strike after his 75th against San Diego FC earlier in September. Marcelinho Carioca holds the all-time mark with 78.