What Barcelona still lacks since Lionel Messi’s exit in 2021: Hansi Flick’s missing piece to return in 2025?
Barcelona’s transformation since the departure of Lionel Messi in 2021 has been nothing short of remarkable. What once seemed like a club on the verge of collapse due to financial mismanagement has now turned into a disciplined and improved institution. Wage cuts, smarter investments, and a new generation of talent emerging from La Masia have all contributed to the club’s resurgence.
Under previous boss Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona regained their dominance in La Liga, lifting the league title in 2022-23 by relying on a cohesive team of youngsters rather than ageing superstars. The defensive line has strengthened, the midfield is more dynamic, and attacking options are more balanced than they have been in years.
Now, under Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants continue to impress with their attacking numbers—scoring 120 goals in 39 matches this season. However, despite all these improvements, there remains one critical area where Barcelona have yet to find an answer since Messi’s exit, Spanish journalist Xavier Bosch suggests.
For all their tactical advancements, Barcelona still lack a true direct free-kick specialist—something that was never a concern when Messi was on the pitch. Over the years, the Argentine maestro converted set-pieces into goals with astonishing regularity, making every foul outside the penalty box a potential scoring opportunity.
Since his departure, the Blaugrana have struggled to replace that magic. While their overall set-piece efficiency has improved, with 21 goals from dead-ball situations this season—including seven from corner kicks, five from indirect free kicks, and eight penalties—their record from direct free kicks has been dismal. The Blaugrana have attempted 23 direct free kicks this season but have scored just one—a fluke effort from Pablo Torre against Sevilla that went in because no one got a touch on it.
Glaring weakness on pitch
This weakness was on full display in the recent Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid. With Barcelona leading 4-2 and a chance to put the game beyond doubt, they were awarded a free kick from just 17 meters out—the perfect position for a specialist to step up.
Instead, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski opted for a rehearsed routine that amounted to nothing. Just minutes later, Atletico pulled a goal back, shifting the momentum and eventually securing a 4-4 draw. Such missed opportunities have cost the Catalans dearly in crucial matches, highlighting how much they miss a player capable of turning dead-ball situations into goals.
Candidates who failed to deliver
Several players have attempted to step into Messi’s shoes as a free-kick specialist, but none have succeeded. Raphinha, for instance, has taken 42 free kicks since joining Barcelona—18 this season alone under Flick—yet has failed to score a single one. Pedri, who has demonstrated his ability in training, has never been trusted to take one in a real match.
It’s not just about technique, but also confidence. Messi’s presence alone made opposition defenders cautious about conceding fouls near the box, knowing that he could punish them instantly. Barcelona no longer has that psychological edge, but that might change if the Spaniards somehow manage to lure their only true modern free-kick taker back to the new Camp Nou.