Lionel Messi‘s talent from dead ball situations is partly down to his work with former Argentina boss and footballing legend Diego Maradona.
The two geniuses worked together for two years between 2008 and 2010, with the ‘Golden Boy’ disclosing his free-kick secrets to Barcelona star Messi whilst on international duty.
The Blaugrana maestro has always been special from set-piece situations but has this season reached the peak of his free-kick powers. Indeed, he has netted superb long-range efforts in each of his past three matches.
And, according to Fernando Signorini – Argentina’s former fitness coach at the time when Maradona was in charge – the 1986 World Cup winner was the man who helped develop Messi’s craft.
In a fascinating interview with LaSexta, Signorini said the Napoli cult hero had to work regularly with Messi to turn him into a specialist.
“I started walking to where Diego was, and at the same moment I see Messi place the ball down,” he said, recalling the occasion when Messi was practising in training.
“He (Messi) 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.”
Maradona and Messi then apparently conversed in the middle of the pitch – and offered some words of wisdom, in which Signorini explained.
“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.”
