Lionel Messi was the third-choice free-kick taker at La Masia, who were the other two?

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of best footballers of all time as well as one of most complete players of his generation. When competition between Lionel Messi and Cristia Ronaldo was mostly about free-kicks, Barcelona talisman upped his game in de-ball situations to scurry ahe of his Portuguese counterpart. However, Barcelona captain wasn't always among top crop of players that were put on free-kicks duty during his La Masia days as two former acemy players preceded Argentine.

ALSO RE: Across Europe, Ideas Differ Over Wher Leagues Can Resume

Lionel Messi free-kick taker number 3 at La Masia

Lionel Messi's former teammate Roger Giribet spoke to Goal and revealed that n-Barcelona prodigy was third choice free-kick taker at La Masia. 33-year-old Giribet claimed that two players at Barcelona youth acemy were ahe on  pecking order for standing behind free-kick responsibilities. two players that outshone Lionel Messi at free-kicks during his La Masia days were Victor Vazquez and left-footed Juanjo Clausi. two Barcelona youth products that were supposedly better free-kick takers than Messi w play football in Qatar and Spain's third-tier respectively.

ALSO RE: How Paulo Dybala And His Girlfriend Are Keeping ir Spirits High During Quarantine

Lionel Messi free-kick stats: Diego Marona's vice

Lionel Messi free-kick stats over last five years are close to astonishing. four-time Champions League winner has netted 22 times from direct free-kicks since 2015 alone. or team in Europe has matched that tally let alone individual players. Messi has scored 10 goals from free-kicks since Cristia Ronaldo left LaLiga to join Juventus while 35-year-old has mand just nine free-kick efforts over wall for Old Ly. 

ALSO RE: French Government In Talks With Partners To Cancel Remaining Top Five Leagues In Europe

Lionel Messi wasn't always de-ball specialist he is today and some credit seemingly goes to Diego Marona when World Cup winner was Argentina's coach between 2008 and 2010. Marona's assistant Fernando Sigrini revealed that Argentine legend 'taught his pupil' technique to master scoring through free-kicks. With LaLiga return date still in doubt due to coronavirus crisis, here are some pin-point Lionel Messi free-kicks for Barcelona. 

ALSO RE: Jose Mourinho Helps Out Community By Delivering Freshly-grown Food To Families In Need