English freestyler uses crane to break Messi's first-touch record
Lionel Messi might hold a wealth of soccer records and accolades, but now he holds one fewer world record ... thanks to a soccer freestyler. Meet 30-year-old John Farnworth, an Englishman who has carved out a living for himself with exquisite foot-eye coordination.
Early last year, Messi appeared on a Japanese game show and showed off a jaw-dropping first touch after controlling a ball that fell from 18 meters (59 feet). Farnworth, with the help of a crane, decided to one-up the Barcelona playmaker.
He went ahead and upped the ante to 32 meters (105 feet):
OK, there are caveats to this record-breaking feat. First, the "world record" is hardly official or truly authenticated, but we'll have to trust that the videos aren't doctored.
Second, the exact skills used are different. Messi managed to loft his kick over the mark and delicately catch it on the other side. Farnworth, on the other hand, accomplished his feat from a dead drop.
"It is probably the hardest thing I have ever done," Farnworth said, according to the video description.
Making the attempt in a soggy parking lot on a windy day probably didn't help matters, but hey, mission accomplished. Or was it? Was there a hand ball?
Uh, oh! Might need to fire up the crane again ...
(h/t ESPNFC)
