How To Play Soccer Like Messi – Complete Guide (2025)

If you’re wondering how to play soccer like Messi – this is for you.

Messi has mesmerized fans worldwide with his unmatched skills, explosive speed, and an incredible soccer IQ. But this article isn’t just about replicating his moves; it’s uses Messi’s success to become the best version of yourself.

In this article / video, we will take a closer look at how to play soccer like Messi.

Remember, this isn’t just about winning matches – it’s about playing the beautiful game with style, inspiring your teams, and anyone watching.

how to play soccer like messi
how to play soccer like messi

How To Play Soccer Like Messi


In this article, you can read through all 6 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to stick around until the end, watch the video tutorial, and get your special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better player.

  1. How to play soccer like Messi
  2. How to become a good soccer player like Messi
  3. What inspired Lionel Messi to play soccer
  4. Play Like Messi (his top 5 attributes)
  5. What I’ve learned from Messi (VIDEO)
  6. How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more

I hope this article gives you all the information you need about how to play soccer like messi.

Let’s get started!

how to play like messi
how to play like messi

How To Play Like Messi


To play soccer like Messi, you’ve got to embrace the magic that happens when you combine skill, vision, and sheer determination. Picture this: you’re on the pitch, ball at your feet, weaving through defenders like a maestro.

It’s not just about flashy moves; it’s about control, close ball mastery, and that relentless work rate. What’s Messi’s secret?

It’s in the countless hours spent honing his craft, dribbling through cones, and practicing those trademark cuts. But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about the solo act.

Messi’s brilliance shines in team play too. It’s about understanding your teammates, creating opportunities, and leaving defenders scratching their heads.

Let the Messi mindset guide you. It’s not just about emulating his moves; it’s about embodying the spirit of a soccer sorcerer on a mission. The pitch is your canvas – now go paint your masterpiece.

how to become a good soccer player like messi
how to become a good soccer player like messi

How To Become A Good Soccer Player Like Messi


Becoming a good soccer player like Messi requires a relentless commitment to improvement across various dimensions of your game.

  1. Start by mastering the basics – hone your technical skills, control, and ball manipulation until they become second nature. Infuse your training with a healthy dose of speed and stamina work; Messi’s bursts of acceleration don’t happen by chance.
  2. Cultivate the mentality of a champion – confidence, resilience, and a hunger to constantly evolve. Pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle, recognizing that what you put into your body directly impacts your performance on the pitch.
  3. Adopt training principles that push your limits – pushing beyond your comfort zone to elevate your game. Develop tactical intelligence by studying the beautiful game, understanding the nuances, and anticipating movements.

The path to becoming a good soccer player like Messi is paved with dedication, continuous learning, and an unyielding belief in your potential. So, step onto that field with purpose, and let your commitment to training show how good you are on match day.

what inspired lionel messi to play soccer
what inspired lionel messi to play soccer

What Inspired Lionel Messi To Play Soccer


Messi’s journey into soccer greatness was fueled by a potent blend of passion, adversity, and an unyielding love for the beautiful game. Growing up in Rosario, Argentina, his humble beginnings became the breeding ground for a burning desire to succeed.

Inspired by the streets where he first kicked a ball, Messi faced economic challenges that only fuelled his determination to escape adversity through soccer. His love for the sport transformed into an unquenchable fire, propelling him to overcome setbacks and insecurities.

Just like Messi found inspiration in his roots and challenges, aspiring soccer players must tap into their own sources of motivation. It’s about discovering what sets your soul on fire, whether it’s a childhood dream, a desire for success, or a struggle / pain you want to use to your advantage.

This motivation needs to become the driving force that pushes you through challenging training sessions and propels you to rise above obstacles. So, think about what that motivation can be for you. Let it be your reason to work hard, and watch as it transforms you into a passionate player.

what inspired lionel messi to play soccer
what inspired lionel messi to play soccer

Play Like Messi


This list summarizes Messi’s main attributes. If you want to know how to play like Messi, you will have do your best to develop these areas of your game. How to play soccer like Messi:

  1. Exceptional Technical Skills: Messi’s wizardry with the ball stems from his unmatched technical skills. To develop this, dedicate focused practice to ball control, dribbling, and close ball mastery. Work on your touches until they become instinctive.
  2. Explosive Speed and Stamina: Messi’s explosive bursts and endurance are integral to his playing style. Incorporate speed and stamina training into your regimen, emphasizing short sprints, agility drills, and cardiovascular exercises to build both speed and endurance.
  3. Mental Toughness and Confidence: Messi’s mental fortitude is a game-changer. Cultivate a winning mentality by setting goals, visualizing success, and bouncing back from setbacks with resilience. Confidence comes from consistent practice and believing in your abilities.
  4. Shooting and Finishing: Messi’s clinical finishing sets him apart. Develop your shooting skills through targeted drills, focusing on accuracy, power, and versatility in various scenarios. Work on your composure in front of goal to become a deadly finisher.
  5. Tactical Intelligence: Messi’s understanding of the game’s nuances is unparalleled. Develop your soccer IQ by studying the sport, analyzing matches, and understanding tactics. Anticipate movements, recognize patterns, and enhance your decision-making on the field through continuous learning.

Incorporating these aspects into your training will not only help you emulate Messi’s style but also elevate your overall soccer prowess. Remember, it’s the combination of these attributes that forms the recipe for success on the soccer pitch.

play like messi
play like messi

How Can I Play Soccer Like Messi


In this video, I’m thrilled to share some valuable insights I’ve gained from closely studying the dribbling style of the legendary Lionel Messi.

We all know Messi’s dribbling is like poetry in motion but most importantly it’s effective. In my opinion, he is the best dribbler the game has ever seen.

Hit play! Watch the video and start adding these ideas to your own game.

How To Play Soccer Like Lionel Messi


In the exciting journey to play soccer like Messi, these new ideas are just the beginning of your soccer adventure. Messi’s amazing skills may seem far away; but they are something you can start working towards today.

Whether you’re beating defenders or celebrating a big goal, remember the things that make Messi successful: being really good with the ball, quick changes of direction, confidence, mental toughness, being hungry to score goals, and reading the game.

It’s not just about playing like Messi; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Improvement is waiting, and your story is the next part of the big story of soccer greatness. Put on your cleats, start practicing, and visualize that Messi style while you play.

what motivated messi to play soccer
how to play like messi in soccer

Common Questions

Here are some common questions related to how to play soccer like messi:


How did Messi learn to play soccer?

Lionel Messi’s journey to becoming one of the best players in the world began from a very young age. He was born in Rosario, Argentina, and started playing soccer in his neighborhood with local kids. His talent was noticeable early on, but what set him apart was his unwavering determination and dedication. At 11, Messi moved to Barcelona’s La Masia academy after he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, which required expensive treatment. His family and coach at Barcelona supported his development, where he honed his natural skills, including close ball control, quick footwork, and exceptional dribbling. Messi’s learning was influenced by his work with coaches, intense practice, and his ability to learn from failures, making every setback a lesson.


Who taught Messi how to play?

Messi’s development was largely influenced by several key figures throughout his career. His first coach was his father, who encouraged him to play soccer at a young age. At La Masia, Messi was under the mentorship of coaches like Carles Rexach, who gave him a chance despite his condition, and Frank Rijkaard, who helped him mature into a first-team player. His time at Barcelona shaped him by working alongside some of the greatest players and coaches, learning from them directly and observing their techniques, which helped refine his natural ability into what we see today on the field.


How to dribble a soccer ball like Messi?

To dribble like Messi, you need to master ball control, quick changes of direction, and unpredictable movements. Messi’s dribbling relies on minimal touches, keeping the ball close to his feet, and using small adjustments to confuse defenders. The key is balance and agility, often utilizing sudden bursts of speed combined with feints and body movements to keep opponents off balance. Working on your footwork, especially the ability to control the ball with both feet while quickly shifting your weight, is critical. Messi also uses his vision to assess his surroundings and outmaneuver defenders effectively.


How to kick a soccer ball like Messi?

Messi’s kicking technique is defined by precision, finesse, and the ability to strike the ball with power, yet maintain accuracy. To kick like Messi, use the inside of your foot for accurate passing or placing the ball into the corners of the net. Messi also uses the instep (top of the foot) for powerful shots, but his key skill is his ability to hit the ball with incredible precision even from long distances. To emulate his style, focus on timing, keeping your shots low and consistent while focusing on perfecting your touch and accuracy.


How to train like Messi at home?

To train like Messi at home, focus on enhancing your technical skills, including dribbling, ball control, and shooting. Work on improving your weak foot, as Messi is known for being comfortable with both feet. Set up drills like slalom cones for agility, wall passing exercises for touch and accuracy, and shooting drills that require both power and precision. Agility and explosive speed are crucial, so incorporate sprints and plyometrics to develop these qualities. Most importantly, Messi’s mindset involves consistent self-discipline and dedication, so training regularly with focus on technique rather than just fitness is key.


How does Messi dribble so fast?

Messi’s ability to dribble fast is a combination of low center of gravity, excellent balance, and extraordinary close ball control. His unique running style allows him to keep the ball close to his feet while maintaining speed and direction. He uses quick, sharp movements to keep defenders off balance and combines them with his innate ability to accelerate rapidly in small bursts. His technique ensures the ball is always within arm’s reach, allowing him to keep it away from defenders while keeping pace with the play. His dribbling style isn’t about long strides but about maximizing his agility and sharpness in each movement.


What skill does Messi use?

Messi utilizes several skills, but his standout abilities are dribbling, close ball control, vision, and agility. His dribbling is made possible by using small touches that allow him to change direction without losing speed, an element that sets him apart from others. Additionally, his vision enables him to always make the right pass or find space in the tightest of situations. He is also known for his excellent finishing and ability to strike from any angle, often making use of his exceptional balance and quick reflexes to stay composed under pressure.


How can I start playing soccer like Messi?

To start playing soccer like Messi, begin by focusing on building your technical skills. Work on your ball control, dribbling, and passing. Messy’s ability to change direction quickly is key, so practice footwork and body movements that allow for tight control while accelerating. Additionally, develop a strong understanding of the game, positioning yourself in such a way that you can make an impact at any given moment. Even though Messi’s physical gifts are unique, his success has been based on his commitment, so work on consistency in your training and stay mentally focused on improving every single day. Most importantly, enjoy the process and let your passion for the game fuel you.

how can i play soccer like messi
how can i play soccer like messi

SOCCER PLAYERS


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About Coach Dylan

I used to struggle with confidence in soccer, feeling slow, weak, and unmotivated. Coaches overlooked me, and friends made fun of my skills. At one point, I even quit.

But I decided to take control of my development. Through hard work, I transformed my game, earned league titles, awards, a college scholarship, and international caps.

Now, I share my lessons and help others improve through my YouTube channel (1/2 million subscribers), soccer coaching and personal training.

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Thank you for reading this article:
How To Play Soccer Like Messi – Complete Guide (2025)

Dylan Tooby

Success should not be judged based on what you achieve but by what you help others achieve. Hopefully, this information will help you. Thank you for reading. Please, leave a comment.