Lionel Messi, who has so often been the Barcelona hero is having a lacklustre start to the season having scored just two goals- both penalties.
Real Madrid’s dominance of Barcelona in El Clasico manifested the Catalans’ worries to the world. The Blaugrana were thwarted by the Merengues for large occasions in the match, with Sergio Ramos doing a brilliant job in keeping Lionel Messi at bay. The Argentine forward’s horrific start to the season saw him go scoreless in another fixture.
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Messi has not scored a goal in six matches across all competitions against Real Madrid and his barren run against the Whites has now extended past 900 days. Not to mention, the captain’s slow start to the season has been one of the main reasons why the team has not yet found its gear under Ronald Koeman.
Lionel Messi has scored just twice all season in all competitions across six fixtures and both his goals have been from the penalty spot. For a player who is usually the heart of everything that flows for a team of Barca’s calibre, they’re definitely poor numbers and the manager has not shied away from the fact that Messi needs to up his game.
One of the main reasons why Messi could be underperforming for the Blaugrana would be his lack of motivation. The fact that he wanted to leave the club is no secret and the 33-year-old seems fed up with how things are being run at the Camp Nou. Not to mention, it has looked like he has been held hostage at Barcelona despite wishing to depart.
With the likes of Ansu Fati, Pedri and Francisco Trincao stepping up, the club could gradually be ready to life after Messi but that certainly does not mean the Blaugrana’s best ever should show no interest in proceedings. For the time being, Messi has a contract and he must respect it whether or not he wants to stay at the club by choice.
Do you think Messi’s poor form is reason for Barcelona’s streak of three winless league matches?