868 Days of Drought After Lionel Messi’s Exit Ended by $32,000,000 Superstar

Barcelona has not always been at its best since the departure of Lionel Messi. Well, the times have changed! The team managed to pull off a commanding performance against their rival in La Liga. Notably, one of their superstars ended a substantial drought in record books. He did something that was not witnessed in the last 868 days! Lionel Messi was the only icon who reached such heights for Blaugrana.

The $32 million rated superstar has played an emphatic role in Barcelona’s recent successes with eight goals in nine games this season. However, a direct free kick in the last game carried immense significance for the La Liga champions to end an 868-day drought.

Spanish striker’s remarkable performance for Barcelona

Ferran Torres delivered a precise free kick from 20 yards out, tripling Barcelona’s lead against Real Betis. This was the first set-piece goal since May 2, 2021, after Lionel Messi converted a free kick against Valencia. Barca attempted 41 free kicks but went without scoring since the departure of La Pulga. However, Torres ultimately succeeded in converting a free kick with a splendid strike into the right side of the goal.

Barcelona emerged triumphant with a 5-0 victory at Montjuic. It also brought an end to the unfortunate streak of free kicks from the Spanish giants. Previously, Messi netted 20 direct goals before his forced departure from the squad. Furthermore, the Argentine talisman made an impressive free-kick record, both at the domestic and international level at the twilight of his career.

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The free kick masterclass from Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has converted 65 free kicks, sharing the stage with the legend, David Beckham, in this remarkable achievement. Most recently, the Argentine scored a free kick, marking his 29 goal in the World Cup qualifiers. Here’s an interesting piece of information on the World Cup winner. Apparently, Messi is the sole icon who scored the last free kick for Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, as well as Argentina.

The 7x Ballon d’Or winner netted 11 goals in his 11 games for the Herons. During this period, he scored two free kicks, including one in his debut match against Cruz Azul, in the dying minutes of the game. Moreover, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only players from the current soccer roster to reach such remarkable success in terms of free kicks over the years. How did you react to Ferran Torres scoring a free kick for Barcelona after two seasons? Comment below and let us know.

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