After being kept a clean sheet by Bordeaux, Messi has failed to score in seven consecutive games, his longest goal drought since 2008.
Messi's last goal was against Lille on February 6, after which Ligue 1 and champions leagues have been seven consecutive games, and the Argentines have failed to score. In the first leg against Real Madrid, Messi also conceded a penalty, and in the last 8 matches against Real Madrid, Messi scored 0 goals in 695 minutes. In contrast, Mbappe has scored seven goals in eight appearances since against Lille.
Failing to score in seven consecutive games, Messi suffered the longest ball drought in 14 years. Not only that, but messi has never scored in two consecutive games since moving to Paris. This season, Messi has scored 2 goals in Ligue 1 and 5 goals in the Champions League. On the pitch, Messi scored only 15 per cent of Paris' goals.
Le Marca pointed out that Messi had similar performances only in the first few seasons after entering the first team, which shows that he has not yet recovered to his best condition after moving to Paris.
Since making his debut in 2004, Messi has continued to set records, and from December 9, 2012 to January 27, 2013, Messi scored 16 goals in 10 consecutive games, setting a record for consecutive goals in international football.
Only at the beginning of his career did Messi suffer from long-term ball shortages many times. After making his debut on 16 October 2004, Messi was unable to score in 12 games until his debut goal against Albacete on 1 May 2005, when he broke the gap.
A year and a half later, Messi suffered another ball drought, and from October 15, 2006 to March 10, 2007, Messi failed to score in seven consecutive games. Just eight months later, Messi suffered another ball drought, from November 27, 2007 to February 20, 2008, Messi failed to score in 10 games.
From February 24, 2008 to May 4, 2008, Messi failed to score in seven consecutive games, but only twice played the whole game. A 6-0 win over Valencia, Messi broke the ball drought with a penalty in the 5th minute. In the next 14 years, Messi never failed to score in seven consecutive games.
Against Monaco on 20 March, will Messi be able to break the longest ball drought in 14 years?