Soccer

Panenka hails Messi’s ‘Panenka’ as the best he has seen

Originator of the chipped penalty says Barcelona star’s effort was technically impressive

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his penalty in the Primera Division match against Getafe at the Nou Camp. Photo: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his penalty in the Primera Division match against Getafe at the Nou Camp. Photo: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images
Thu Apr 30 2015 - 13:08

Lionel Messi’s ‘Panenka’ penalty against Getafe has been hailed as the best ever – by the man himself.

Antonin Panenka originated the chipped spot-kick technique as he audaciously clinched Czechoslovakia's shoot-out victory over Germany in the 1976 European Championship final.

And the former midfielder anointed Messi as the best of his many imitators after the Barcelona forward deceived Vicente Guaita for the first of his two goals, and his team's six without reply, in Tuesday's resounding Primera Division win.

Antonin Panenka has claimed Messi’s ’Panenka’ penalty as the best he’s ever seen. Photo: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Antonin Panenka has claimed Messi’s ’Panenka’ penalty as the best he’s ever seen. Photo: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Panenka, now 66, told radio station RAC1: “The execution was the best I’ve ever seen – not too powerful, central, good elevation.

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“Technically the goal was impressive. It is a further demonstration of (Messi’s) quality.”