Science explains Messi's extraordinary skill: He can fool opponents in just 0,04 seconds.

Lionel Messi He is a player with some of the best dribbling skills in the history of world football. A special feature of the Argentine superstar's dribbling is his preference for simple movements to optimize speed and ball control. Recently, scientists at Auburn University (USA) conducted a detailed study to decipher the secret behind this famous skill of the Argentine superstar.

A research team at Auburn University focused on analyzing and dissecting the biological mechanisms behind Messi's deceptive moves. To conduct the study, Michael Zabala, lab director and associate professor of mechanical engineering at Auburn University, selected female footballer Fizz Hutton as a test subject. Hutton, who is 1,70m tall (the same height as Messi), is also studying physiotherapy at the university.

Hutton directly recreated Messi's dribbling moves in a tightly controlled research environment. She was fitted with 79 reflective markers on her body, allowing the system to accurately record every movement. The collected data enabled researchers to create 3D models, meticulously tracking changes in posture, speed, and direction throughout the dribbling process.

In addition, inertial measurement units (IMUs) were attached to various locations on the body. These devices track direction, position, and three-dimensional movement in real time without the need for GPS. This allowed researchers to accurately reconstruct the entire sequence of movements behind Messi's dribbling.

The study also used a force measuring platform integrated into the laboratory floor to accurately measure the impact force of the foot upon contact with the ground. The results showed that the most critical moment occurs when the player shifts force to their left foot and changes direction abruptly, generating a force more than double their body weight.

Research results show that the decisive moment in a Messi dribble lasts only about 40 milliseconds, or 0,04 seconds. According to the research team, the deceptive movement starts from the upper body rather than the legs, as many people believe. Messi uses his upper body to create the illusion of moving in a certain direction, causing defenders to misjudge. Immediately afterward, he places his left foot on the ground and abruptly changes direction to the opposite side.

According to scientists, the special thing about Messi's dribbling technique doesn't lie in his top speed or superior strength, but in the perfect coordination between his body, supporting leg, and the timing of his change of direction.

The data collected shows that Messi's movements are executed with near-perfect precision. That's why, even after 20 years of playing at the highest level, the world's best defenders are still frequently fooled when facing him.

Even at the age of 38, and no longer possessing the speed and physical fitness of his prime, Lionel Messi can still excel at dribbling past defenders and making short runs. World Cup 2026Messi just delivered one of his best individual performances with three goals against Algeria, helping Argentina win 3-0.