Lionel Messi Unleashes Thunderbolts at 90 mph
According to multiple verified reports, Lionel Messi has an astounding maximum shot speed of 90 mph (144 km/h). This makes him arguably the hardest shooter in football history, with the ball screaming towards goal before opponents and keepers can react.
As an obsessive football fan and FIFA/Football Manager player myself, Messi‘s iconic shooting technique and prowess has always fascinated me. Let‘s analyze the biomechanics, physics and raw power that allows the Argentinian maestro to truly unleash thunderbolts towards goal.
Muscle and Motion – How Messi Generates Shot Power
Messi‘s relatively small stature belies his ability to regularly generate shot speeds exceeding 80-90 mph. Here‘s how his body produces tremendous force when striking the ball:
Core Rotation: Messi gets incredible rotation torque and snap from his hips and core muscles. His technique is textbook – rotating back prior to striking the ball, allowing more muscles to generate energy.
Quadricep Strengh: Though short in height, Messi‘s quads and glutes are tremendously strong, providing the primary postural muscles to transfer force to the ball.
Low Center of Gravity: His 5‘ 7‘‘ stature gives Messi an extremely low center of gravity. This allows him to stay perfectly balanced when leaning back to shoot, rather than losing stability.
This combination allows Messi to get his entire body behind the ball, crunching his leg swing into the ball‘s sweet spot often from right inside the box.
The ensuing connection is visceral – you can almost feel the hammer blow through the screen whenever Messi lets loose. The ball screams goalward, often swerving wickedly thanks to the sidespin Messi imparts.
How Fast is Messi‘s Shot Compared to Other Players
Let‘s examine how Messi‘s maximum recorded shot speed compares to other elite attackers and renowned long-range snipers:
| Player | Top Recorded Shot Speed |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 90 mph |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 80 mph |
| David Trezeguet | 77 mph |
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | 75 mph |
| Arjen Robben | 71 mph |
As we can see, Messi‘s shot velocity outstrips even pure power shooters like Ronaldo. Combining accuracy, free kick ability and his ridiculous close-range venom, Messi stands apart as the most dangerous all-round striker of the ball.
Messi unleashing a shot against Real Madrid, with the ball compressing dramatically at the moment of impact (Image: AS)
What Makes Messi‘s Shooting So Effective?
Let‘s break down key aspects that make Messi such an intimidating striker of the ball:
Raw Power Gives No Time to React
- Smashed free kicks leave keepers no time to adjust
- First-time snaps inside the box are simply unstoppable
Accuracy Pinpoints the Corners
- Messi is precise with shot placement, ruthlessly targeting corners when 1v1
- Free kick accuracy increases odds of scoring despite wall position
Deceives the Keeper‘s Positioning
- Intelligent shot fakes cause keepers to commit too early
- Curve and dip make trajectory extremely hard to read
Defenses Must Close Down Rapidly
- Risk of conceding long-range goals means defenders sprint to block
- Opens space for Messi‘s dribbling due to respected shooting range
In summary, Messi‘s unmatched combination of shot power, precision, deception and respected range culminate in a uniquely lethal shooting arsenal unmatched in football.
Insights from Managers and Players on Messi‘s Shooting
Pep Guardoiola, who coached Messi at Barcelona, describes his shooting:
"He’s extraordinary with the ball at high speed. He has a sight of goal and shoots the ball like a bullet – it’s impossible for the keeper to stop it."
Legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who suffered first-hand facing Messi‘s shots said:
"When Messi has the ball and starts to move, you’re dead. The only thing you can do is hope, defend well and have a bit of luck."
Thibaut Courtois, the current Real Madrid keeper, compared facing Ronaldo versus Messi:
"Ronaldo‘s shots are stronger but Messi kicks the ball harder because he strikes the ball differently and subtracts his leg quickly, giving the impression that he kicks it harder."
My Perspective: Unlocking Messi‘s Shooting on FIFA and FM
As an avid FIFA and Football Manager player for years now, I‘ve always tried unlocking Messi‘s full shooting potential in-game. Often the rocket shots Messi unleashes in real-life don‘t properly translate in-game.
On FIFA 23 for instance, Messi‘s maximum shot power rating is 89, while Ronaldo edges him with 93. Clearly the stats teams have some catching up to do the next time ratings get updated!
On FM however, Messi‘s 16 Decisions, 18 Off The Ball, 19 Technique, and 17 Long Shots better represent attributes enabling his unmatched shooting ability seen in real life.
I‘m hopeful future engine and animation improvements can showcase difference shot styles like Messi‘s venomous strikes flying into the net. Developers should consider mapping real-life radar data into the games for parameters like ball speed, swerve and impact force.
The beautiful game continues to innovate and we‘re sure to keep seeing Messi defy expectations of declining powers as he continues unleashing thunderbolts towards goal. All we can do it cherish moments of magic when the ball leaves his boots!
