Messi's Headed Goals: A Scoring Masterclass

Lionel Messi, the Argentine professional footballer, is often associated with his exceptional ball skills and footwork. However, his tally of headers scored is a testament to his versatility and underrated presence in the air. Let's delve into the world of 'Messi headers' scored.

Messi's penchant for scoring headers might come as a surprise given his diminutive stature. But peel back the layers, and you'll find a consistent scorer from set pieces and a player who can outjump his taller counterparts.

headers from set pieces

A significant portion of Messi's headed goals come from set pieces. His ability to read the game, anticipate the flight of the ball, and position himself perfectly has resulted in numerous goals.

From curling free-kicks to whipped corner-kicks, Messi's headers have been a constant threat for opposing defenses. His uncanny ability to find space in crowded penalty boxes has often been the difference between a goal and a missed opportunity.

Lofted headers

Messi often looks to attack the ball first-time, timing his jump to meet the ball at its peak. This technique requires exceptional timing and physical prowess, which Messi possesses.

One of his most iconic headers came against Getafe in 2019, where he met a lofted free-kick from Messi's set-piece partner-in-crime, Luis Suárez, with a stunning scissors kick that resulted in an acrobatic goal.

Powerful near-post runs

Another creativity from Messi's header repertoire is his powerful near-post runs. He often makes late dashes into the penalty box, capitalizing on defenders' lapse in attention or miscommunication.

Against Athletic Bilbao in 2014, Messi scored a header after making a late run into the box, beating two defenders to meet Xavi's corner with a powerful, precise header.

Hold-up play and aerial duels

Messi's headers aren't confined to set pieces. His ability to hold the ball up, link play, and win aerial duels makes him a threat in open play as well.

His leap, accompanied by his intelligent movement, allows him to win headers against defenders. Against assimilation between his height and strength, Messi has scored several headers in open play throughout his career.

Intelligent movement and runs

Messi's understanding of space and his ability to move intelligently always put him in the right place at the right time. He often makes intelligent runs, anticipating the ball's movement and positioning himself for a header.

Against Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final, Messi scored a header after making a clever run, anticipating Dani Alves' cross and guiding it into the net with a perfectly placed header.

Winning aerial duels against taller opponents

Aerial duels are typically associated with tall, robust center-forwards. Yet, Messi has shown that height isn't the only measure of success in the air. His timing, positioning, and technique have allowed him to win headers against much taller opponents.

Against Real Madrid in 2017, Messi outjumped Sergio Ramos, one of the Premier League's tallest defenders, to meet a long ball with a powerful header, showcasing his ability to win aerial duels against taller opponents.

Messi's headers scored serve as a reminder that football is a game of many facets. Despite his height, Messi's intelligence, technique, and exceptional physicality make him a formidable header of the ball. As fans, we can only hope to see more moments of magic from him in the air in the future.