Majestic Messi still leading the pack

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Lionel Messi is still producing at the highest level with the 35-year-old reaching 50 goal contributions for club and country so far this season.  The Argentinian great has now comfortably surpassed 1000 goal contributions in his career and the 7 time Ballon d’Or winner does not look to be slowing down anytime soon.

At every level of criticism Messi faces, the greatest of all time comes up with a reply.  Originally criticised for not succeeding without Xavi, Iniesta and Guardiola he won his fourth UEFA Champions League in 2014/15 with 16 goal contributions.  Next there were claims he could not do it for his country, this was put to bed with Argentina’s COPA America victory in 2020/21 followed by the ultimate prize, the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he was also awarded his second Golden Ball.

Since leaving Barcelona, Messi’s ability has been questioned once again with many saying he is no longer among the best in the world at Paris Saint-Germain.  During his two seasons in Paris, Messi has recorded 29 goals and 30 assists in 63 appearances.  In that same period of time only Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema can compete statistically.

In 1013 career appearances Messi has recorded 799 goals and 352 assists, 1151 in total.  This leaves the Argentinian contributing either a goal or an assist every 72 minutes he is on the pitch.  Numbers like this have only been matched by Cristiano Ronaldo who averages a goal contribution every 88 minutes.

There is not much time left to enjoy our generation’s greatest player, but one thing remains certain; Messi is still among the best players in the world and arguably the most influential player currently playing in Europe.  Despite entering the latter stages of his career, 35-year-old Lionel Messi is not slowing down and has the numbers behind him to prove it.

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Dylan Johnson