Lionel Messi is a cheat code when it comes to free-kicks, and he's now explained how he got so good at scoring from range.
He genuinely scores free-kicks like they are penalties. Whether for Barcelona or Argentina, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner often finds the back of the net when there's a wall in front of him.
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What's the secret?
Well, a lot of practice.
"It is true that many times we have stayed after training to practice," Messi told Marca when asked if he stays behind in training to hone his set-piece skills.
"Not only free-kicks, but also shots from outside the area. You get used to shooting in a specific way and increasingly discover your best form. In the end, everything is training and practice."
The 31-year-old also admitted his penalty game needs improving, and he's doing that by, again, practicing and watching tape.
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"Practicing and watching. Today we study everything: nothing is left to chance. You must practice and always seek to give it one more attempt."
He then explains the difference from the ball being on the spot to a free-kick.
"It's different," the Barcelona ace added. "With a free-kick you have a barrier, the distance and it's another type of strike; you do not have the pressure to score because a free-kick can go in or not.
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"With a penalty you have much more to lose than win. Here the goalkeeper feels more comfortable; if the player scores, it's normal as it's a penalty.
"The one who shoots is more obliged to score than the goalkeeper is to stop it. The pressure is very different."
Messi is arguably the best free-kick taker on the planet, and a remarkable statistic proves that sentiment.
According to ESPN's Alexis, he's scored more direct free-kicks than any club in Europe's top five leagues in the last four years.
The best in the business?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Free-kick, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Argentina, Penalty, Spain, La Liga
