Were Two La Masia Stars Actually Better at Free-Kicks Than Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi, the 37-year-old football icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, honed his skills at Barcelona’s legendary ‘La Masia’ academy before becoming a global superstar with Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami. His remarkable talent extends to set-pieces, having scored over 60 free-kicks in his illustrious club career. However, astonishing claims from a former La Masia teammate suggest that during his formative years at the academy, Messi wasn’t even the primary free-kick taker. In fact, two other players were supposedly considered better at free-kicks.
According to Roger Giribet, a former academy player who spoke to GOAL, the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient was “third-choice” for free-kicks at La Masia. Giribet revealed, “Victor Vazquez, who was amazing, and the left-footed Juanjo Clausi used to take them, Messi almost never.” This revelation challenges the perception of Messi as a natural free-kick prodigy from a young age, suggesting his mastery developed later in his career.
Adding to this unexpected narrative, Albert Benaiges, a former Barcelona youth system boss, stated that free-kick practice wasn’t a major focus at La Masia. “It was something we did not practice,” Benaiges explained. “At Barcelona, we used to occasionally do free-kick drills with a wall. We would give the odd bit of advice, but it was not a part of the game we worked on particularly hard.” This suggests that the academy emphasized broader footballing skills rather than specializing in set-pieces, potentially allowing individual talents like Vazquez and Clausi to shine in this specific area without dedicated coaching.
So, who are these players who supposedly outshone a young Lionel Messi at free-kicks, and what became of their careers?
Victor Vazquez: The La Masia Maestro
Victor Vazquez did break into Barcelona’s senior team, making three appearances during a period of incredible squad depth under Pep Guardiola. However, he primarily starred for Barcelona B. Unfortunately, a severe knee injury in February 2009 sidelined him for a significant period, impacting his momentum at a crucial time.
Messi is now an expert free-kick taker (Credit:Getty)
After departing Barcelona in 2011 at age 24, Vazquez, now 38, enjoyed a successful stint with Club Brugge in Belgium, amassing 173 appearances. His career then took him globally, including stops at Cruz Azul (Mexico), Toronto FC (Canada), Al-Arabi and Umm Salal (Qatar), Eupen (Belgium), LA Galaxy (USA), and East Bengal (India). Currently, he continues to play football for FC Santa Coloma in Andorra, showcasing a journeyman career after his time in the Barcelona system.
Juanjo Clausi: The Journeyman’s Path
Juanjo Clausi, also now 37, unfortunately didn’t achieve the same level of professional success as Vazquez. Despite his free-kick prowess at La Masia, he never played a senior game for Barcelona. Following his exit from the club in 2006, Clausi embarked on a career in the lower tiers of Spanish football. Recognizing the uncertainties of a football career, he also pursued studies in electromechanical maintenance, according to Planet Sport.
Despite not reaching Messi’s heights, Clausi retains fond memories of his time alongside the Argentinian star. He recounted a youth tournament victory in Italy in an interview with YoSoyNoticia, saying, “I was the top scorer and Messi was chosen as the best player. I keep that picture of the two of us posing with the trophy, and now see where Leo is and know that I could share that moment with him…not everyone can say that.” Clausi’s current club status remains unclear, but his story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional football, even for those who once shone brightly alongside legends in the making.
La Masia’s Free-Kick Secrets: Key Takeaways
Here’s a summary of the key points about Messi and his La Masia free-kick contemporaries:
- Messi wasn’t always the free-kick king: At La Masia, teammates Victor Vazquez and Juanjo Clausi were reportedly ahead of him in the free-kick pecking order.
- Academy focus: Barcelona’s youth academy didn’t heavily emphasize free-kick training, prioritizing broader skills development.
- Different career trajectories: While Vazquez had a respectable professional career across different countries, Clausi’s career path was more nomadic in Spain’s lower leagues.
- Humility and Perspective: Clausi’s reflections highlight the shared journey with Messi and provide perspective on different paths within football.
The story of Vazquez and Clausi offers a fascinating glimpse into the youth days of Lionel Messi and the diverse paths that unfold even within football’s most prestigious academies. It reminds us that while Messi’s genius was undeniable, the development and recognition of specific skills, like free-kicks, can evolve over time. It also underscores that success in youth academies doesn’t always translate to global superstardom, and that there are many ways to measure a career in football.
What are your thoughts on this surprising revelation about Messi’s free-kick abilities at La Masia? Share your opinions in the comments below!