Barcelona Extend Embarrassing Free Kick Record Years After Messi’s Departure

Since Lionel Messi's departure two years ago, Barcelona has been enduring a tough time, as the club is yet to find a free-kick taker who can match the perfection of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Among active footballers, Lionel Messi tops the list for scoring the most number of free-kick goals, with a total of 60 goals throughout his illustrious career. 

Prior to leaving Barcelona in 2021, the Argentine superstar had scored 50 free-kick goals for the Catalan club.

Football Espana reports that Barcelona has failed to score a goal directly from a free-kick in the past two years, despite having attempted 41 such shots over the last two seasons.

Barcelona has seen multiple players, including Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Marcos Alonso, and Memphis Depay, attempt to score from free-kicks, but none of them have managed to convert for the La Liga giants.

3 years ago today 😞 pic.twitter.com/ZLxadUZuB9

— R  (@Lionel30i) May 1, 2022

 Barcelona is reportedly eager to re-sign Lionel Messi, who is currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, as a free agent this summer in the hope that he can end their free-kick woes. The Catalan club will be hoping for Messi's return to Camp Nou as soon as possible.