Lionel Messi has been taking free-kicks like they're penalties this season. 

The Barcelona superstar has clearly been putting some serious practise into his set pieces recently, having scored directly from six free-kicks in 2018-19 and the same number last campaign.

The variety of the goals have been incredible, too, with Messi shooting over the wall, fooling goalkeepers at their near post and even using the newly-coined 'Panenka' free-kick.

However, the Argentine still plays second fiddle to his rival Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to the number of free-kick goals throughout this career. 

Ronaldo has struggled to capitalise on his chances in recent years - is yet to score one for Juventus - and his knuckle-ball against Spain remains his only conversion since 2017.

Messi and Ronaldo's free-kick prowess

Nevertheless, his early success at Manchester United and his first few seasons with Real Madrid means Messi - who has vastly improved in recent years - is still playing catch up.

That's all well and good, but when we're talking about two of the greatest players in history, can we consider them the best at free-kicks, too?

Well, the raw statistics would suggest that isn't the case with both Messi and Ronaldo falling short of the ten players with the most free-kick goals in history.

Greatest free-kick takers ever

While some of the leading contenders have certainly benefitted from poorer quality leagues, some true greats are also amongst those fending off Ronaldo and Messi.

So, taking the statistics compiled from Sport in 2018 and updating them with the latest numbers, it seems the remarkable duo will short of a record for once.

Ronaldo has scored 53 free-kicks throughout his career, while Messi has converted 47 strikes - but the top ten is as follows:

=9. Marcelinho Carioca - 59

=9. Rogerio Ceni - 59

8. Ronald Koeman - 60

=6. Zico - 62

=6. Diego Maradona - 62

5. David Beckham - 65

=3. Ronaldinho - 66

=3. Victor Legrottaglie - 66

2. Pele - 70

1. Juninho Pernambucano (77)

When it comes to free-kick taking, it doesn't get much better than Juninho himself.

While the top ten is certainly in reach for both Messi and Ronaldo, it will require a minor miracle for either player to usurp Juninho before they hang up their boots.

It's interesting to see that Maradona and Pele - who many would rank below the current duo - have scored more set pieces, but benefitted from their time in South American football. 

Not only that, but it's amusing to note that Messi and Ronaldo technically find themselves behind a goalkeeper with the remarkable Ceni having notched up 59 free-kick strikes.

On current trajectory, it seems Messi will overtake his eternal rival and make the top ten, yet this is one record he won't be topping. 

Who do you think is the greatest free-kick taker in history? Have your say in the comments section below.