# King of Free-Kicks in Ligue 1: Lionel Messi's Record Breakers
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and his free-kick prowess has been particularly noteworthy. In French top-tier football league Ligue 1, Messi has set numerous records for scoring from these critical moments on the pitch.
## Messi's Early Career Beginnings
Messi began his career with Barcelona FC in 2004 and quickly established himself as a dominant force. During his early years at Camp Nou, he was known for his incredible speed, skill, and creativity. His ability to create goals from outside the box made him a threat to any defense.
## The Golden Age of Ligue 1
In 2017-2018, Lionel Messi's Ligue 1 campaign was nothing short of magical. He scored 45 goals in just 26 appearances, breaking several records along the way:
1. **Most Goals in a Single Season**: Messi broke the record for most goals scored in a single season in Ligue 1, surpassing the previous mark held by Thierry Henry (29).
2. **Most Goals in a Single Competition**: He also shattered the record for most goals in a single competition in Ligue 1, which was previously held by Patrick Vieira (28).
3. **Most Goals in a Single Tournament**: Messi surpassed the record for most goals in a single tournament in Ligue 1, reaching 30 goals in the 2018 UEFA Champions League.
These achievements cemented Messi's status as the king of free-kicks in Ligue 1 during this period.
## Post-Barcelona Era
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Messi continued to dominate Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain. Here are some of his notable performances:
1. **2019-2020 Season**: Messi scored 21 goals in 25 appearances, helping PSG win the Ligue 1 title.
2. **2020-2021 Season**: With PSG again dominating, Messi scored 26 goals in 29 appearances, including three hat-tricks.
3. **2021-2022 Season**: Despite injuries, Messi still managed to score 16 goals in 19 appearances, maintaining his dominance in Ligue 1.
## Conclusion
Lionel Messi's impact on Ligue 1 through his exceptional free-kick skills cannot be overstated. From his early days at Barcelona to his post-Barcelona reign at PSG, Messi has consistently broken records and left an indelible mark on the game. His free-kick prowess is not only impressive but also serves as a testament to his unparalleled talent and adaptability as a player. As he continues to play for Argentina and other clubs, it will be fascinating to see if he can break more records and solidify his legacy as the king of free-kicks in Ligue 1.