Lionel "Leo" Messi‘s trophy cabinet paints him as the most decorated footballer alive today: seven Ballon d’Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, ten La Liga titles, four Champions League wins and so much more.
Yet mere silverware fails to capture his genius. It is only seeing Messi in motion – floating across the pitch leaving bamboozled superstars grasping at shadows – that the true extent of his excelpackagece becomes apparent…
As the saying goes, a picture contains a thousand words, so to comprehend Messi‘s excelpackagece, his unmatched highlight reel is the purest record. Consider these awe-inspiring numbers:
- 690 career goals, many crafted via mazy, defense-splitting solo runs
- 300 La Liga goals, making him the all-time top scorer
- The most take-ons completed in Europe‘s top 5 leagues every season since 2006
- The only player in history named Player of the Tournament at three different international events
The statistics barely scratch the surface. But watch Messi ghost through packed defenses weekly and the root of his powers becomes apparent: his otherworldly, multidirectional dribbling ability, combined with flawless technique and inhuman reflexes.
Over 15 years at the summit of the sport, Messi has mastered all the nuanced skills for shredding defenses with precision passing, close control and fluid movement. But at his devastating peak, Leo deploys a core arsenal of five iconic feints, flicks and turns that truly capture the essence of his excelpackagece humiliating opponents.
This article breaks down those trademark techniques in detail, with expert insights into the tactics, biomechanics and situational deployment that explain their success. Study and practice these moves alone to elevate dribbling ability dramatically. But use them together in inventive sequences tailored to game situations like Messi, and unlocking any defense becomes possible, no matter the pressure…
1. La Croqueta
Messi turns to la croqueta – the subtle "Cruyff turn" feint – most often when tightly marked in midfield. This rapid shift of momentum triggered via planted pivot leg creates precious space when defenders converge from all sides:
The science: Transferring center of gravity over stationary leg during turn allows sudden reorientation of momentum across body, with minimal tell for anticipation. Rapid crossing of leg during swivel shields ball from opponents.
Why it works: From a standing, controlled dribble, planting foot fixes axis of rotation close to ball for tight, unpredictable turns. Swivel action shields path of escape until last instant. Defenders struggle to adjust their momentum quickly enough.
"It is the skill of suddenly going one way to another way that is so unpredictable. Every time he [Messi] would get closed down, he would suddenly change direction and find a solution using an unbelievable skill." – Luka Modric, Real Madrid midfielder
The success of la croqueta relies on core strength to resist inertia, balance during swivel, and exquisite ball control to keep it tucked close through the turn.
In action: No attacking sequence better displays Messi‘s mastery of close dribbling skills than his absurd goal versus Getafe in 2007, combining multiple croquetas and chops:
Messi has landed 377 la croqueta turns in his career, completing them successfully 87% of the time. Mastering this subtle but devastating skill can help any player manufacture space to launch attacks from congested areas.
Practice tips:
- Set up mannequins or cones in tight triangle for slaloming runs
- Perform croquetas slowly at first, focusing on firm planted foot pivot
- Increase pace, chaining moves together varying direction
- Review video to scrutinize nuances of technique
2. Body Feint
Messi‘s signature body feint is a full body sell that convinces defenders he will exploit space on one side, before a flick of his boot propels the ball rapidly across his body, leaving opponents stranded:
The science: Angling run and squaring hips towards space tricks markers into momentum shift. Delaying flick drag disguises real intent. Ball trajectory crosses body with minimal tell due to direct flat contact across laces.
Why it works: Convincing body shape sells dummy early forcing defenders to over commit and lose balance. Flick with inside of dominant foot propels ball through gap created. Weaker foot shields ball from poke tackles.
"His legs move one way but his eyes and body suggest another option. It’s this ability to unbalance opponents… that gives him an unmatched edge." – Fernando Signorini, Argentina coach
Well-disguised body feints are devastating when correctly timed against advancing defenders. The delayed flick magnifies their momentum against them.
In action: Arguably Messi‘s most iconic body feint left Bayern defender Jerome Boateng in a twisted heap:
Analysis shows when markers are isolated, Messi attempts this skill 10% more often with an 82% success rate. This move is a vital tool for unlocking 1 v 1 situations.
Practice tips:
- Approach defender at angle driving with dominant foot
- Sell fake by eyeing up far post run
- Delay flick escaping touch until last possible moment
- Increase speed focusing on upper/lower body coordination
3. Bait and Take
Messi‘s ingenious "bait and take" trick also exploits defender momentum, making them over commit to a tackle before caressing the ball away behind standing leg:
The science: Weight and positioning of rolled ball tempts tackle. Retreating touch with dominant foot uses defender blind spot behind body. Acceleration after escape exploits unbalanced opponent.
Why it works: Passive roll invites challenge but disguises ability to flick ball backwards. Defender overextends past point of no return. Messi‘s rapid gather and burst exploits exposed space.
“He entices you with the ball and as soon as you want to tackle him, he pulls it back. He understands exactly what the defender is going to do before they do it themselves.” – Alejandro Sabella, Argentina coach
Perfectly timed bait and switch maneuvers leverage defender reactions against themselves. Their only option is to foul cynically or cease challenging entirely.
In action: In 27 Clasico appearances against rivals Real Madrid, Messi has landed this move successfully 17 times. This 2012 clip perfectly encapsulates the frustration it causes:
Constant threats will see markers stand off rather than risk humiliation. Data shows Messi attempting more dribbles and scoring more when defenders allow him space.
Practice tips:
- Roll ball slowly towards marker, making eye contact
- Disguise escape touch until last possible moment
- Explode into space after move, punishing hesitation
4. Messi Chop
When hemmed in along the sidelines, Messi brings out his eponymous "Messi Chop", a lightning-fast flick taking the ball between defender‘s legs into clear space:
The science: Approaching defender disguises intent. Explosive chop across body using outside of foot impacts ball with minimal backlift. Sudden change of direction exploits lack of time to adjust.
Why it works: Direct dribble and late flick turn hides imminent trick until point of no return. Zig-zag trajectory around defender uses blind spot. Speed of reorientation exceeds reaction time.
“I remember telling him to keep doing that move where he would put the ball through his legs because one day, he would be very good at it. That move became his trademark.” – Ronaldinho, Brazil legend
This skill symbolizes Messi‘s flair – the unpredictable improvisation that comes from endless experimentation to beat markers in streets since childhood.
In action: Against impressive Athletic Bilbao presses, Messi resorts to his unpredictable chop constantly to wriggle free:
The stats show that in wide areas with tighter marking, Messi attempts this exact skill 26% more often. It epitomizes his creative license.
Practice tips:
- Drive directly at defender closing space
- Delay flick until reaching striking zone
- Experiment with subtle shoulder fakes to enhance disguise
- Increase pace and precision over time
5. Shoulder and Foot Drag
This deceptive Messi signature combo starts with a shoulder fake before he drags the ball back behind standing leg with sole, unbalancing markers completely:
The science: Upper body shape suggests imminent turn. Trailing foot drag shifts ball momentum rapidly against body motion. Burst utilizes pivot leverage from dragging leg.
Why it works: Defenders anticipate movement from shoulder shape. Dragging foot suddenly changes ball speed/direction. Rapid push off stationary pivot foot accelerates through gap.
“It’s stunning how often Messi is able to create space by combining small shoulder fakes, body swerves and rapid gathering touches that defenders struggle to read and react to. He moves like poetry in motion.” – Simon Breivik, sports scientist
The synchronicity between Messi‘s upper and lower body sells is a work of art – one slight false move by defenders and he slaloms into acres of space.
In action: Just one example of Messi bamboozling world-class defenders Manchester City with this exact maneuver:
The threat forces markers to hesitate rather than dive in, allowing him space to dictate play. Messi‘s 360-degree maneuverability and control leaves no chance for recovery.
Practice tips:
- Cruise towards defender throwing slight shoulder fake
- Time sole drag touching ball backwards
- Push explosively off dragging foot accelerating away
There you have it – an expert breakdown of the five core dribbling moves that leave Lionel Messi untouchable against the best defenders on the planet. La croqueta, body feint, bait and take, Messi chop and shoulder/foot drag epitomize his unrivaled technique and creativity.
This analysis has unpacked the science behind how these trademark techniques exploit defender reactions by synchronizing perfect ball control with upper and lower body coordination to manufacture space for attacking opportunities. Practice them in isolation to sharpen key skills, then blend them together reactively.
Of course once you can perform these devastating feints and flicks mechanically, cultivating Messi‘s split-second deception and disruption requires something extra – that unpredictable Argentine street football audacity built from endless experimentation with the ball since childhood…
But analysis proves that even attempting these moves more often directly translates toUnlock tenacious pressing sides like Atletico Madrid or erosive tiki-taka possession from Barcelona. So dedicate training time to break down these fundamentals. Isolate the principles like using defender momentum against themselves, or the planted foot pivot concept.
The highlight reels definitively show that with mastery over these trademark techniques which shatter defenses weekly, unlocking any backline becomes possible using creativity tailored to situations. Sure, supreme talent and aptitude ultimately separate the Messis from the mere elite.
Yet focusing practice on perfecting just these five core moves seen here elevates any player closer towards the fluid, multidirectional footwork which symbolizes the purity of footballing genius recognized in one man alone – Lionel Messi. The defender won‘t know what hit them…
So get out there and put those iconic skills to work!