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Both LeBron James and Leo Messi have achieved great success and sustained their excellence over a long period of time. However, they are also characterized by a common weakness that has been a defining feature throughout their careers.
Most exceptionally talented individuals are not perfect and have their own flaws that remind us that they are still human. In fact, having prominent flaws often distinguishes them as misunderstood geniuses who see the world differently and make hard things appear effortless while challenging things seem easy. Leo Messi and LeBron James, two icons who have enjoyed similar careers for over two decades, share a common weakness in their respective sports: Messi struggles with penalty kicks while LeBron has difficulty with free throws. Perhaps it’s because of the silence before the shot or the pause that throws them off, as they are accustomed to the fast-paced, high-energy nature of their games. Nevertheless, this aspect of their game humanizes them and adds depth to their already impressive legacies.
Messi, who is still idolized by his fans worldwide, has an impressive penalty box average of 80% in his career, a feat that even impressed LeBron James, who only averages 73.5% from the free throw line. Despite this, LeBron aims to improve his free-throw percentage to match Messi’s 80%. The two athletes share many similarities as they have both achieved their goals for the season. Messi led Argentina to win the World Cup and conquered his clumsiness at penalty kicks. He scored crucial penalties against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and France in the final, putting an end to his bad memories from the past. LeBron, on the other hand, broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record after nearly 40 years. Despite their different sports, Messi and LeBron showcase their dedication to improving their weaknesses and achieving greatness.
LeBron James has been performing well in free throws, with a current average of 76.4% – his best in the last decade. This has brought him closer to Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, which now stands at 38,390 points and belongs to LeBron. His most efficient season was during his time with the Cavaliers in 08-09, where he had a free throw average of 78%, while his worst was during his Lakers stint in 18-19, with an average of 67.4%. When it comes to Messi’s stats, it’s difficult to compare since penalty kicks are less frequent in football. Messi has had seasons where he scored 100% in penalty kicks, like in 15/16 (4/4) and 17/18 (3/3). On the other hand, his worst season was in 08/09 when he only scored 0-2. Looking at seasons with more attempts, Messi’s best season was in 11/12 with an 82% average, while his worst was in 14/15 with 57%. Winning the World Cup has elevated Messi’s status as the best player ever, as he helped Argentina secure the trophy they hadn’t won since Mexico 1986.
LeBron James acknowledged Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time by tweeting his name next to the GOAT emoji when Messi won the World Cup. While LeBron’s recent performance has sparked the debate on whether he’s better than Michael Jordan, others believe that he is simply the most complete player they’ve seen. The secret to their longevity and dominance lies in their versatility and adaptability. At 38 and 36 years old, respectively, it’s challenging to limit LeBron and Messi’s abilities to a single box. They play in a manner that meets their team’s requirements, adjusting their strategies to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses, and filling any gaps. To take them for granted would be to underestimate their capabilities and impact on the game.
Both LeBron James and Lionel Messi are not only known for their scoring abilities but also for their impressive passing skills in their respective sports. LeBron, who won the NBA scoring title in 2008, also became the assist leader in 2020, a year that saw him lead the Lakers to yet another championship. On the other hand, Messi has won six Golden Boots and was the assist leader during the 2015 Champions League. In addition to his scoring prowess, Messi has also recorded 13 goals and 8 assists, making a total of 21 goals for which he was responsible – a feat that surpasses that of Pelé, Gerd Müller, Ronaldo Nazario, and Miroslav Klose, who all have 19 goals.
The similarities between LeBron James and Lionel Messi are striking, particularly when it comes to their trophy cabinets. Both athletes have won four major titles within a decade, with LeBron securing four NBA championship rings (2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020) while Messi has lifted the Champions League trophy four times (2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015). Despite their impressive achievements, both superstars have repeatedly emphasized that they prioritize team accomplishments over individual recognition. Although they both made their debuts in 2003 – Messi’s official debut was in 2004 – they show no signs of slowing down. While they have struggled with free throws and penalty kicks during their illustrious careers, this only serves to humanize them and enhance their legend. As they both chase their fifth trophy in their respective competitions, their hunger for success remains undiminished.