Train Like Messi: Develop the Skills of a Soccer Legend

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players of all time, known for his extraordinary ball control, dribbling, and overall mastery of the game. To try and mimic his soccer skills and improve your game, it's important to focus on more than just physical training—mental sharpness, decision-making, and technical ability are key to training like Messi.

Let’s break down the techniques and drills that define Messi's style of play, along with tips to build your soccer IQ. Whether you're aiming to improve your ball control, dribbling, vision, or finishing, this comprehensive training plan will set you on the path to developing Messi-like skills.

The Core of Messi’s Game: Mastering Ball Control and Dribbling

Messi’s ability to keep the ball close to his feet is unmatched. He’s known for his low center of gravity, which allows him to weave through tight spaces and glide past defenders. His ball control comes from keeping the ball within inches of his feet at all times. To develop this skill, focus on the following drills:

Drills:

• Cone Dribbling: Set up cones in a straight line and practice weaving through them, focusing on short, quick touches to keep the ball close.
• In-and-Out Drill: Push the ball out with the inside of your foot, then pull it back with the outside. This will help you develop Messi's agility when changing direction.
• 1-on-1 Gate Dribbling: Partner with a teammate and try to dribble through gates (two cones placed a few feet apart) while your partner tries to defend. This mimics in-game pressure.

Learn more on how to dribble like Messi

Vision and Passing: How Messi Sees the Game

Messi's ability to read the field and make split-second decisions is a huge part of his success. His vision allows him to deliver precise passes and create scoring opportunities. The key to his passing ability is his peripheral vision, which lets him assess the position of defenders and teammates without breaking his stride.

Drills:

• One-Touch Passing: In a small group, practice passing with just one touch. This drill forces you to make quicker decisions and improves your passing accuracy.
• Triangle Passing: Set up three players in a triangle, with one player acting as a defender. The two attackers pass to each other while avoiding the defender, improving both passing precision and positioning awareness.

Shooting and Finishing: Precision Like Messi

Messi’s shooting is less about power and more about precision and placement. Whether he’s curling the ball into the top corner from outside the box or chipping the keeper with finesse, Messi consistently finds ways to score in challenging situations.

Drills:

• Target Practice: Place targets in different areas of the goal and practice shooting with both feet. Focus on hitting these targets rather than shooting with power.
• Free-Kick Practice: Spend time practicing free kicks from different angles. Focus on curling the ball around the wall and placing it in the corners of the goal.

Developing Messi’s Football IQ: The Mental Side of the Game

While Messi's technical skills are remarkable, his decision-making and anticipation are what truly set him apart. Messi is constantly aware of the positioning of defenders, knowing when to accelerate, when to pass, and when to take a shot.

Tips to Develop Football IQ:

• Game Film Analysis: Watch videos of your own games or professional matches, focusing on decision-making during key moments.
• Mental Drills: Practice quick decision-making with small-sided games (like 3v3 or 4v4), where you have to assess the best options under pressure.

Speed, Agility, and Endurance: The Physical Side of Messi’s Training

Messi’s dribbling is often compared to that of a sprinter running with the ball, as he can accelerate and decelerate with remarkable efficiency. His ability to change pace and direction leaves defenders flat-footed.

Drills:

• Sprint Intervals: Incorporate short sprints into your training. Focus on explosive speed followed by periods of jogging or walking to simulate game situations.
• Ladder Drills: Use agility ladders to improve your foot speed and coordination. This will help you with quick changes of direction, a key component of Messi’s dribbling.

How to Train Like Messi Off the Field: Recovery and Nutrition

Messi’s longevity in the game is not just because of his skill but also his off-field preparation. Recovery, stretching, and proper nutrition play crucial roles in preventing injury and maintaining peak performance.

Tips for Recovery and Nutrition:

• Foam Rolling and Stretching: Spend time post-training on flexibility exercises to keep muscles limber and reduce the risk of injury.
• Balanced Diet: Messi’s diet is tailored to his energy needs, focusing on lean proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to fuel his high-intensity play (The18).

Putting It All Together: Craft Your Messi-Inspired Training Plan

To truly train like Messi, your training should be holistic, focusing on technical drills, mental sharpness, and physical conditioning. Here's a sample week-long training schedule:

Day	Focus	Drills/Activities
Monday	Ball Control & Dribbling	Cone Dribbling, In-and-Out Drill
Tuesday	Passing & Vision	One-Touch Passing, Triangle Passing
Wednesday	Shooting & Finishing	Target Practice, Free-Kick Practice
Thursday	Speed & Agility	Sprint Intervals, Ladder Drills
Friday	Football IQ & Decision-Making	Small-Sided Games, Game Film Analysis
Saturday	Full Match Simulation	Play a practice game
Sunday	Recovery & Flexibility	Foam Rolling, Stretching

Conclusion: Achieving Messi’s Skills Takes Time and Dedication

Reaching Messi’s level isn’t just about talent—it’s about dedication, practice, and smart training. To train like Messi, focus on honing your technical skills, improving your game intelligence, and staying physically fit. With consistent practice and the right mindset, you can take your soccer game to new heights.

FAQs on How to Train Like Messi

What skills are needed to train like Messi?

To train like Messi, focus on ball control, dribbling agility, vision, shooting accuracy, and physical conditioning.

How does Messi practice dribbling?

Messi practices close ball control, agility drills, and 1-on-1 dribbling under pressure, using quick directional changes. Read more.

How can I improve my vision like Messi?

Work on one-touch passing, triangle drills, and watch game footage to improve field awareness and decision-making.

What fitness training does Messi do?

Messi focuses on sprint intervals, agility ladders, and plyometric exercises for speed and endurance.

How can I improve my shooting accuracy like Messi?

Practice shooting with both feet, focusing on precision and placement with target practice and free kicks.

What off-field habits help Messi stay fit?

Messi prioritizes recovery through stretching and foam rolling, and follows a balanced diet(