As a data-driven analyst from Chicago, I’ve dissected the real, verified free-kick and penalty records of football’s legendary set-piece takers. No hype, no fan-made legends—just cold, hard stats from official sources. Discover who truly dominates the dead-ball game, why '60+ goals' claims are mostly fiction, and how Messi’s consistency stacks up against legends like Beckham, Ronaldinho, and Pirlo. This is not opinion—it’s advanced stats with zero fluff.

From 2009 to 2018, Barcelona's dominance in La Liga was unparalleled, especially against top-tier opponents. Over 72 matches against the league's top 5 teams, they lost just 6 times, boasting a staggering 69% win rate. In contrast, Real Madrid struggled with a 47% win rate and 20 losses in the same period. Dive into the data behind Barça's golden era and discover why their 'strong-against-the-strong' record remains unmatched in modern football.

As a data-driven football analyst, I break down Lionel Messi's historic achievement as FIFA's all-time top scorer across World Cups, Youth Championships, and Club World Cups. With 25 goals in 40 matches spanning 20 years, we'll examine how the Argentine magician combines consistency with clutch performances - including that recent free-kick winner for Inter Miami. Join me in appreciating this living legend through cold stats and warm admiration.