Castrol Stats - Barca Better Without Messi?
Lionel Messi is uncertain for the Champions League clash against Rubin Kazan after suffering an injury, yet despite scoring a record 27 goals in the UEFA Champions League, statistics prove BarÇ a have been more successful without Messi in their line-up!
The adidas F50 adizero football boots wearer has scored more Champions League goals than any other Barcelona player in history, and has played a central role in their recent national and international success. Amazingly though, Castrol Performance data shows that in Lionel Messi s seven seasons in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona have won 73% of their matches without him, compared to 51% when he s been on the pitch.
The Catalan team have proved that they can achieve results without Lionel Messi, winning important European clashes in his absence, the 2-0 victory over Internazionale in November 2009 is the most recent example. His absence has not had an adverse effect on BarÇa s record in front of goal either, scoring an average of 1.9 goals per game whether he s on or off the pitch.
But what's your opinion, surely there's no doubt BarÇa are a better side with Messi playing?
