Lionel Messi is denied a career-first as Argentina star almost pulls off incredible ‘Olimpico’ goal in Inter Miami’s defeat against FC Dallas

There is very little left for Lionel Messi to accomplish on a football pitch. 

The Argentine has racked up a staggering 12 league titles with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, lifted the Champions League four times and led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.

Only last month, Messi received his eight Ballon d’Or, the latest record in an extraordinary career.

But there is a curious gap in the 36-year-old’s stellar resume, as Messi has never scored directly from a corner in his professional career.

The Argentine came agonisingly close to address the gap on his CV on Monday night, during Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss in a friendly against FC Dallas.

Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paas (left) produced a superb save to deny Messi (not in the shot) and then prevented Sergio Busquets from tapping home the rebound

When Miami won a corner eight minutes into the game, Messi took it and only a desperate save from Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes prevented him from scoring.

The former Barcelona and PSG star had previously attempted an ‘Olimpico’ – as goals directly from corners are colloquially described as – when Argentina faced Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier in October last year.

Messi again went close, but his effort crashed against the post. 

Argentina ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of a Nicolas Otamendi goal, but Messi found himself on the losing side on Monday night as Dallas prevailed by the same scoreline thanks to Jesus Ferreira’s third minute goal. 

Messi has never scored directly from a corner in his entire career

Messi has enjoyed a superb start to his career in the USA after joining Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in June. 

The 36-year-old scored 11 goals in 14 games to lead Miami to the Leagues Cup, the club’s maiden trophy.

Messi has been reunited in Florida with former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan signed for Inter Miami shortly before Christmas but is still to open his account for the MLS club, who have drawn blanks in their two pre-season games so far.