Nobody hits the woodwork more than Lionel Messi

His goalscoring problems in France may make his performances appear worse than they have been

Posted Tuesday, February 08, 2022 by Marca.com

Lionel Messi hasn't had as much of an impact on Paris Saint-Germain as most people would have expected him to have when he joined the club on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona last summer.

The Argentine has struggled to score at his usual rate in France, but he hasn't been too far off despite what the numbers show.

In fact, Opta have pointed out that Messi has hit the woodwork more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues this season, showing just how unfortunate he has been in front of goal since becoming a PSG player. Brentford's Bryan Mbeumbo is level with the former Barcelona captain.

As many as six of his efforts this season have crashed back off the woodwork and left him frustrated, with the latest of those coming on Sunday as PSG recorded a 5-1 win away at Lille. Messi wasn't to be denied though as he did score and assist in northern France.

The Argentine has shown his best form for PSG in the Champions League and will undoubtedly want to be at his best as they take on Real Madrid soon.