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Lionel Messi Almost Scores Olimpico Goal For Inter Miami After Shooting From Corner Kick In Exhibition Game Against Dallas

Lionel Messi came close to scoring direct from a corner kick during Inter Miami's exhibition game at FC Dallas on Monday.

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

But the 36-year-old almost recorded his first Olimpico goal in the eighth minute of Monday's pre-season friendly with a whipped inswinging set-piece from the right.

FC Dallas keeper Maarten Paes pictured making a save to stop an Olimpico goal being scored by Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi (not in shot) during a pre-season exhibition game in January 2024

FC Dallas keeper Maarten Paes pictured making a save to stop an Olimpico goal being scored by Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi (not in shot) during a pre-season exhibition game on Monday

The ball was on course to fly into the center of the goal before Dallas keeper Maarten Paes showed some sharp reactions to claw it away.

Paes then dived upon the ball a couple of seconds later after it had briefly bounced around his six-yard box.

This was Messi's second attempted Olimpico in the last four months. He hit the post from a corner kick while playing for Argentina against Paraguay in October. 

Dallas won Monday's friendly 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Jesus Ferreira.