After the first half of Ligue 1, Messi returned to Argentina to start his Christmas holiday. While some are still focusing on Messi's 11 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring just one goal with 43 shots on goal, a more realistic Messi 2021 report card is in front of everyone: 43 goals in 61 games, 18 assists, 142 key passes with shots and 254 successful passes, as well as the first place of the year on the data rating website.
01. Data site annual rating first person: 43 goals and 18 assists in 61 games
According to the statistics and ratings of the famous data website SofaScore, Messi ranked first among all players in 2021 with an average rating of 8.13 per game.
This was made possible by Messi making 61 appearances in all competitions in 2021, scoring 43 goals and contributing 18 assists, averaging one direct goal per game. Even if you only look at the number of goals scored, Messi, who scored 43 goals, ranks 7th in the global player list. Of course, everyone knows that Messi contributes more than just goals.
In addition to direct goals and assists, Messi delivered a total of 142 key passes (2.33 per game) that brought shots in 2021, as well as 254 passes (4.16 per game), proving his deterrent and strategic value on the pitch.
More importantly, Messi helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 as the Golden Boot, assist king and event MVP, and surpassed pele's record for goal goals set by Pele this year. It can be said that in 2021, whether it is personal honor or team glory, Messi has won too many "major breakthroughs", so winning the seventh personal Golden Globe Award is also the best answer under the comprehensive evaluation.
02. 1 goal scored in 43 games in 11 games: A bit more than a single fight in Ligue 1
Messi did not play very comfortably after coming to Paris Saint-Germain, which is related to the importance of teamwork in Messi's football. In the presence of Neymar and Mbappe, the natural tacit understanding between the superstars can solve many problems, and when they are absent, the environment encountered by Messi in the last league game is obviously even worse.
Paris Saint-Germain liked the opportunity to find opportunities in the penalty area after accelerating on the offensive end, so that the position between the players would be relatively wide open, especially the lack of reception in the rib position. This time Messi was surrounded by 2 people and fell into a situation of going it alone.
It can be clearly seen from the GIF that Messi did not move at the near end of the inside line after receiving the ball, so he could not play the wall he liked. It is not so easy for Messi to break the 2-man attack by himself. When he turned to his teammates on the sideline, the space was actually compressed to the minimum by the other side.
It's hard to ask messi, who is already 34 years old, to score an unsolvable world wave after a continuous change of direction. In the last Ligue 1 game, Messi scored a total of 4 shots on goal, 2 of which came from outside the box. However, long-range shooting is not the same as long-range shooting, and the difficulty of shooting from an unguarded open position and breaking through with the ball is very different.
03. Messi's shots in Ligue 1: The ratio of fast attacks to chaotic battles is too high
In the last round of Ligue 1, Messi completed a total of 11 successful passes, with 4 shots on goal and 2 of them on target. However, in the game, Messi's shooting from fast attacks and chaotic battles is too high, which is really not the way he wants.
Di Maria gave Messi two key passes on goal in the last game, except for the one that hit the goalpost, the direct plug to the ribs was quite good in timing, but unfortunately the strength was slightly greater. Messi prefers to handle the ball under his feet because his continuous movements of the first touch and the second adjustment are a must. This kind of running that requires stretching out to handle the ball is more difficult for Messi.
The other shot came from Wijnaldum's return pass, the second of Messi's only two shots in the box. Unfortunately, the opportunity to fight in front of the goal was saved by the goalkeeper.
Perhaps this winter transfer window Paris needs to first replace the team's substitute center, replacing Icardi who likes to receive crosses with a more suitable frontal partner for Messi, which is also conducive to mbappe, Neymar's main rhythm when he is suspended, and finding more fit when the team needs to attack from the backhand.
Conclusion:
Messi's adaptability to Ligue 1 is also increasing day by day, from the initial passing and key passes are on the side, to now 11 times in a single game, he has gradually learned how to unleash his talent here. The lack of goals is also related to the number of goalposts, and it is believed that entering 2022, Messi's goal explosion in Ligue 1 will be a high probability result. After all, Messi, no matter how high his shots, would not always hit the goalpost.