The Ball Man

Lionel Messi is more lethal from free-kicks than Man Utd are from penalties Messi has always had an impressive free kick in his locker, but it's in recent years that his accuracy has really improved and he's scored 19 across the last three seasons alone. It's a trait that his Barcelona teammates are certainly relieved about and Sergio Busquets said this week: "He’s been improving bit by bit and it was difficult. Having him is a very big advantage. First and foremost Messi, has score more freekicks than clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG since his streak began around 2017 Accourding to Marca : Messi Score four freekicks from 10 attemts in Laliga with the conversion rate of 40%. Also as per transfermarket: Manchester united dispatched 2 of the 6 penalties awarded in Premier League, producing conversion rate of 33.33%. Therefore hence proved that Messi is more lethal from the free kick than Manchester united from Penalties.  #theballman

REVEALED : Spanish Airline Vueling Revealed why Aeroplanes are banned from flying over Messi’s house. When Vueling president Javier Sánchez-Prieto casually mentioned during an interview that airplanes are not allowed to fly over the house of Barcelona star Leo Messi it naturally sparked a social media debate as to the reason why, and whether it was a case of extreme entitlement on the part of the Argentina captain. Sánchez-Prieto was busy explaining why a plan to expand to Barcelona’s El Prat airport was being held up and casually remarked that the reason was “because airplanes aren’t allowed to fly over Leo Messi’s house, which is something that doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world.” The comment swiftly took wing on social media with people seeking to verify Sánchez-Prieto’s statement and discover the reason why planes aren’t allowed to fly over Messi’s house. As might have been expected, the answer was rather more straightforward than Messi instructing El Prat not to

Romelu Lukaku equals Ronaldo record after scoring brace for Inter Milan Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Inter Milan managed to beat Bologna away from home in Serie A, and in doing so, managed to equal an impressive record. The Belgian has now equalled the goal scoring record of Brazilian great Ronaldo, becoming the first player to score nine or more goals in just eleven Serie A matches for the Nerazzurri since Ronaldo managed the feat back in the 1997/98 season. It was a stoppage time penalty from Lukaku that sealed the points for Inter Milan in this game, and it shows once again the faith that manager Antonio Conte has in his new recruit. #theballman

Lionel Messi names his suggested replacement for Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona Another dismal result for Barcelona means that Ernesto Valverde has once again come under the scanner. Lionel Messi wants him kicked out. Diario GOL has reported  that Lionel Messi now wants the Blaugrana boss fired as soon as possible. The Argentina international has never been a fan of the ex-Athletic Bilbao coach and believes that a defeat to a lowly team like Levante, plus some narrow and laborious wins over smaller opposition like Slavia Praha must be enough for the board to cast the die. Barcelona legend Ronald Koeman, who was the former Everton manager and is currently managing the Netherlands’ national team is wanted by Lionel Messi. The Dutchman is seen in good eyes by not just Barca’s captain, but is also looked up to by other senior players like Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique who support his appointment. Ernesto Valverde will have to prove his credentials and probably save his job