Move aside Leo, there's a new control king in town

It's probably fair to say that Lionel Messi is the best at most things when it comes to football. Sure, Cristiano Ronaldo probably has something to say about that, but based on his numerous Ballon d'Ors and all-round mesmeric excellence, it's a reasonable assumption.

However, it turns out that a 30-year old from Preston is better at controlling a ball than he is. From a big height, anyway.

Meet John Farnworth. The football freestyler has successfully broken Lionel Messi's world record of controlling a ball from height after perfectly bringing one home from a massive 32 metres (104ft), with the help of a huge crane in Widnes, near Liverpool.

Messi's record previously stood at a PALTRY 18 metres (59ft). Pathetic, Leo.

"It is probably the hardest thing I have ever done," said a relieved John - which is pretty remarkable when you realise he once completed all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon whilst doing kick-ups.

"You only have seconds to get it right; you think that the ball is dropping at a nice pace but at the last minute is speeds up and it is almost like a bullet."

Not that anyone should have doubted him - John's scooped European and World titles for freestyle, holds four other world records (including 83 "around the worlds" in one minute... show off) and has performed at the World Cup and at an F1 Grand Prix .

No, we're not sure of the F1 connection either, but it's still damn impressive.

We wonder what other freestyle kings Soufiane Touzani and Ronaldinho make of this? Because if someone can do better, we want to see it.