In recent years, Lionel Messi has become one of the most celebrated and influential players in world football. His performances have been praised by fans, media, and experts alike for his technical skills, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess. However, there is another side to Lionel Messi that many people may not know about - his tackling statistics.
In a match against Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes on April 21st, 2019, Lionel Messi showed exceptional tackling skills, preventing Real Madrid's attacking midfielder Kylian Mbappe from scoring a goal. The incident was captured by several news outlets, including ESPN, and sparked controversy among fans and critics alike.
The story behind this tackle highlights the importance of good tackling in soccer, as well as the impact that Messi's tackling can have on the game. It also sheds light on the dynamic between Messi and Mbappe, who were both playing for different clubs at the time.
Here’s how Messi tackled Mbappe:
1. The first step was to stop Mbappe's forward run. He used his body weight to push him off balance, causing Mbappe to lose his momentum and fall into a defensive position.
2. Next,Ligue 1 Express Messi blocked Mbappe's next pass and pushed him back towards his own half. This gave Messi the opportunity to block Mbappe's next shot, which he executed perfectly.
3. After blocking Mbappe's next shot, Messi continued to press him, using his strength and speed to keep him out of position. When Mbappe tried to score, Messi used his finishing touch to beat him and create space for himself.
4. Finally, after Mbappe failed to score, Messi went over to Mbappe and attempted to give him a free kick. He blocked Mbappe's next attempt and then passed it to teammate Sergio Ramos, who scored the winner with a powerful finish.
The incident was widely praised by fans and critics alike. Many believed that Messi's tackling was crucial in stopping Mbappe from scoring, and that his skill set made him a formidable player on the pitch.
However, some critics criticized Messi's tackling, arguing that it was unnecessary and could have been avoided with better positioning. Others argued that Messi's tackles were just as important as Mbappe's goals, and that they were a reflection of his overall performance rather than individual talent.
Regardless of the criticism, Messi's tackling statistics continue to be highly regarded in the world of soccer. He is considered one of the best defenders in the world, and his tackling skills have earned him widespread respect and admiration.