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Watch Lionel Messi Almost Score Direct From Corner Kick

Lionel Messi almost scored an 'Olimpico' goal for Argentina vs Paraguay. His shot direct from a corner kick hit the post. Watch Messi's best shots from corners.

Robert Summerscales

Watch Lionel Messi Almost Score Direct From Corner Kick
Watch Lionel Messi Almost Score Direct From Corner Kick /

Lionel Messi came desperately close to scoring his 105th international goal during Argentina's 1-0 win over Paraguay on Thursday.

Messi twice hit the post after coming on as a substitute eight minutes into the second half in Buenos Aires.

He almost scored direct from a corner kick in the 76th minute.

Messi's inswinging corner evaded everyone - including Paraguay keeper Carlos Coronel - before striking the far post.

A goal scored direct from a corner kick is called an 'Olimpico' and it is something Messi has not yet achieved during his career.

However, he has come close on multiple occasions.

While Messi has never scored from a corner, he has netted 65 times from direct free-kicks.

He very nearly made it 66 in added time on Thursday night but a dipping effort clipped the outside of the post.

Nicolas Otamendi had earlier scored the only goal of the game with a spectacular volley.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi pictured during his team's 1-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires in October 2023
Argentina captain Lionel Messi pictured during his team's 1-0 win over Paraguay :: IMAGO/Sebastian Frej/Diego Halisz
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Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.