Lionel Messi has only managed to score 3 goals for Barcelona this season. The worst start to a season for La Pulga in over 15 years and Barcelona are still struggling to make the most of their squad.
Currently, Barcelona are placed 12th in the La Liga table, with only 8 points to their name from 6 games played. The fact that their best player ever is also struggling to make an individual impact for the club is also worrying for Barcelona fans.
However, if you look at the developments at Camp Nou a little more closely, you will find that Barcelona does not seem to be Messi FC as much as it was in recent years.
Ansu Fati has hit the ground running, and the now 18-year-old has been the best player under Ronald Koeman so far. The youngster has managed to score 4 goals in the league already and is looking very impressive going forward.
Leo Messi has only scored a single goal in La Liga this season. He has scored 2 in the Champions League and has assisted just as many in Europe. His stats per game have also shown that the Argentinian’s influence on the game has reduced considerably this season as compared to last year.
However, Barcelona have managed to come together as a team, and have shared the responsibility of scoring goals. This has taken a lot of weight off of Messi and has allowed him a lot of freedom to lead his team, as he should do as Barcelona captain.
The legendary player wanted to leave Camp Nou in the summer but was stopped from doing so by former President Bartomeu. While his morale has been visibly boosted by Bartomeu’s dismissal, Leo Messi has assumed a very different role this season as compared to yesteryear.
Despite being well into his 30s, La Pulga has a lot to give to the sport, and his team, and it would be foolish to write the forward off so soon.
Do check out:
