Adil Boulbina ends Algeria scoring drought with Messi-style free-kick

Adil Boulbina ended an eight-month wait for an international goal with a superb free-kick as Algeria fought back from two goals down against Burundi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Algeria travelled to face Burundi on Tuesday for their second qualifying match and appeared to be in serious trouble after falling 2-0 behind.

However, they responded with two goals in quick succession to bring the score level. The second came from Boulbina, who struck a direct free-kick with precision to complete the comeback.

The goal was Boulbina’s first for Algeria since 6 January, when he scored the winning goal against DR Congo in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Al-Diriyah forward marked the end of his international scoring drought in a style associated with Lionel Messi. The Argentina great is only two goals away from becoming the highest-scoring player from free-kicks in football history.

Boulbina has also made an impressive start to the current season at club level. He joined Al-Diriyah during the previous summer transfer window after leaving Qatari side Al Duhail, and has scored two goals in four appearances for his new club.

His free-kick against Burundi provided a significant moment in Algeria’s attempt to recover from their difficult start to the match, while also ending a lengthy wait for another international goal.