“Chasing a 0–2 deficit in a Copa del Rey knockout tie against his familiar foes Athletic Club, Messi pulls Barcelona back into the contest with a strike that also becomes his 30th direct free-kick goal and 40th in the competition.”
Messi’s late free-kick brings up his 30th career direct free-kick goal, turning a tense Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Athletic into another personal milestone in his peak years.