After Lionel Messi scored a scintillating freekick goal against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the third in as many league games, indications emerged as to how he became such a prolific dead ball expert.
Messi reportedly honed his skills after advice from football legend and fellow Argentine, Diego Maradona.
The fitness coach of the Argentine national team at the time, Fernando Signorini was on the pitch when Maradona offered the advice that has changed Messi’s freekick fortunes.
In an interview with LaSexta, Signorini said, “I started walking to where Diego was, and at the same moment I see Messi place the ball down.
“He takes three shots and misses all three and turned to us with a look of clear frustration.
“He turns towards the dressing room and I shout ‘no’ before hugging him and telling him that the best player in the world can’t leave a training session like that.”
Signorini added, “Diego arrives and they talk to each other, the world seems to stop at that moment.
“He places the ball in the same place and then gives some very paternal words.
“He told him not to take his foot off the ball so quickly when he takes a free kick.”
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