Barcelona Extend Embarrassing Free Kick Record Two Years After Messi’s Exit

• Barcelona have failed to score a free kick goal since the departure of Lionel Messi
• The Catalans have now gone two years without scoring directly from any free kick
• Barca are pushing to reunite with Messi this summer when his PSG contract ends

Barcelona is still suffering after Lionel Messi’s exit two years ago, with the Catalan club yet to have a free kick taker as perfect as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi leads the list for the most free kick goals scored by active footballers, with 60 in his illustrious career. The Argentine netted 50 free kick goals for the Catalans before his departure in 2021.

According to Football Espana, Barcelona has gone two full years without a goal scored directly from a free kick, despite having 41 attempts in the last two campaigns.

Lewandowski excited about the prospect of playing with Messi at Barcelona

Football

The Catalans had witnessed several players such as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Marcos Alonso, and Memphis Depay try their luck from the spot but none have been able to convert for the La Liga giants.

Barcelona will be hoping Messi returns to Camp Nou as soon as possible to end their free kick woes, with the Catalan giants pushing to re-sign the forward as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Barcelona's finances impede Messi deal

Meanwhile, Barcelona are keen on bringing Messi back to Camp Nou this summer but have a lot of financial obstacles in the way, Sportskeeda reports.

La Blaugrana need to raise €200 million before making any market moves, having exceeded the limit set by La Liga and forcing the rejection of Gavi's new contract.

Barcelona confident signing Messi will attract more sponsors and endorsements

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Messi is reportedly open to a return to Camp Nou this summer and Barca have confirmed talks behind the scenes to bring the World Cup winner to back La Liga.

Messi makes unsanctioned Saudi trip

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Messi’s recent Saudi Arabia trip putting the Argentine's relationship with PSG coach, Christophe Galtier and club director, Luis Campos in murky waters.

The 35-year-old had initially requested the permission of the two senior officials to travel to the Middle Eastern country, where he serves as an ambassador for their 2030 World Cup bid.

Messi is said to have gone above the heads of both Campos and Galtier to the club’s management, who then granted permission for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to go to Riyadh.