Messi at 35 years old: What would he give Barca? 👀
(A thread)
(A thread)
From a sporting perspective, Barca acquire the best playmaker in the world. Both from deeper zones & in the final third. Why is he the best?
Let’s look at the numbers.
Let’s look at the numbers.
In the top 5 leagues, Messi has accumulated the highest number of expected assists: 13.9 🥇
His closest competitor is De Bruyne, but Messi has scored more than twice as many goals.
15 assists and 15 goals. According to xG, Messi is twice the goal threat to De Bruyne.
His closest competitor is De Bruyne, but Messi has scored more than twice as many goals.
15 assists and 15 goals. According to xG, Messi is twice the goal threat to De Bruyne.
• Passing:
Messi averages a higher number of passes, progressive passes, passes into the attacking third, and passes into the box compared to De Bruyne.
High volume. High value.
Messi averages a higher number of passes, progressive passes, passes into the attacking third, and passes into the box compared to De Bruyne.
High volume. High value.
• Ball carrying:
Messi has completed the second most carries into the final third (115), and made the second most dribbles (91) in the top 5 leagues. Only Vinicius has more dribbles, but Messi dribbles with a 20% higher success rate.
Messi has completed the second most carries into the final third (115), and made the second most dribbles (91) in the top 5 leagues. Only Vinicius has more dribbles, but Messi dribbles with a 20% higher success rate.
Messi is the most complete creator in the world - looking at passing, ball carrying & dribbling. At 35, he has no equal. He manages this, while still being a goal threat. A hybrid. Scoring goals like an attacker, outperforming the best creators.
To properly illustrate this, Messi ranks top 1% in the top 5 leagues for:
Assists, pre-assists, expected assists, touches, progressive passes, passes completed, key passes, passes into the final third, carries into the final third.
Assists, pre-assists, expected assists, touches, progressive passes, passes completed, key passes, passes into the final third, carries into the final third.
Messi at 35 lacks the same energy he had 10 years ago. He ranks below average for:
• Pressures applied
• Interceptions
• Duels
He probably always did, but now he is moving less offensively as well. We would have to take his lack of defensive contribution into consideration.
• Pressures applied
• Interceptions
• Duels
He probably always did, but now he is moving less offensively as well. We would have to take his lack of defensive contribution into consideration.
💰 Financially:
Short term, Messi would occupy a chunk of Barca’s salary cap. Even if he lowers his salary by three times, he would be a top earner.
Long term: Our overall revenue will increase by A LOT. Messi generates more than he takes.
Short term, Messi would occupy a chunk of Barca’s salary cap. Even if he lowers his salary by three times, he would be a top earner.
Long term: Our overall revenue will increase by A LOT. Messi generates more than he takes.
Messi’s return would give Barca tons of attention = more sponsors, commercial opportunities, spectators. Last time, Messi made €383m euros, while generating €619m over a 3 year period. You do the math.
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