Insane stat proves Lionel Messi’s free-kick prowess
ByLe Buzz
Updated 05/04/2019 at 16:48 GMT
Lionel Messi will take to the pitch against Atletico Madrid on Saturday afternoon aiming to score a free-kick for the fourth consecutive match.
Leo Messi goal celebration during the match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol, corresponding to the week 29 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou Stadium, on 30th March 2019, in Barcelona, Spain.
Image credit: Getty Images
The Barcelona wizard has been in explosive form of late, firing 12 goals in his last eight appearances including set-piece efforts against Real Betis, Espanyol and Villarreal in La Liga.
And now stats wizards Opta have released an astonishing tweet that showcases just how staggering he really is. Check this out:
For those without the capacity to digest a tweet, Messi has scored TWENTY free-kicks in the past five seasons – nine more than closest challenger Miralem Pjanic in Europe’s top five leagues.
And what of GOAT rival Cristiano Ronaldo? The Juventus man is lagging on just four – at an average of 0.8 a season – although he is ahead in the career standings, 53 plays 47.
Anyway, after lighting the fire on yet another tedious Messi v Ronaldo debate, we'll sign off by asking the free-kick gods to let them both score one this weekend. Sound fair? Good.
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