The stats behind Lionel Messi this season for PSG

After a quiet first season for PSG, Lionel Messi has looked back to his best this season.

We’ve dived into the stats to find out just how effective he has been for the French club this season. 

How last season went 

Last season was a peculiar one for Messi as his goalscoring numbers were significantly down from the previous season. 

The Argentine forward only scored six league goals, despite taking an average of 3.4 shots per game. 

In total, Messi underperformed his xG by four goals and was the second biggest xG underperformer in Ligue 1, only behind Burak Yılmaz. 

A large proportion of Messi’s shots from last season came from outside the box with 43 of his 89 shots coming from range. 

There was an air of misfortune around his first season though as he rattled the woodwork on several occasions. 

Mauricio Pochettino didn’t seem to know how to fully utilise Messi and PSG’s front three often struggled for balance. 

In the Champions League he was a little bit sharper in front of goal as he scored five goals from an xG of 4.7. 

Despite Messi’s goalscoring numbers being down, his creative numbers still ranked amongst the best in Europe. 

In Ligue 1 he produced a total of 14 assists and was PSG’s second most creative player, behind Kylian Mbappe. 

Messi made a total of 63 key passes in Ligue 1 last season at a rate of 2.4 per game. He also averaged 2.5 dribbles per game and was fouled 1.3 times per game. 

This season for Messi 

Messi has looked back to his old self this season as Christophe Galtier has found the perfect role for him this season. 

PSG have switched to a 3-4-2-1 system and Messi has played in one of the free-roaming roles behind Mbappe. 

His creative numbers have been just as good this year, with an average of 2.8 key passes per game and seven assists from his first nine matches. 

The biggest differences with Messi this season though have related to his finishing and his dribbling. 

Last season he completed an average of 2.5 dribbles per game, which was his lowest ever tally since he originally broke though the ranks at Barcelona. 

This season has been a return to normality though as he is completing 4.4 dribbles per 90. Overall, he has made 40 successful dribbles in Ligue 1 this year, which is 16 more than any other player. 

The 35-year-old has looked much sharper in front of goal this season too. He has already scored five league goals and is just one strike away from matching his tally from last season. 

The volume of shots he is taking has increased from 3.4 per game to 4.8 this season as he is now much more involved in the final phase. 

Messi has pretty much matched his xG this season, scoring five goals from an xG of 4.8 in the league so far. 

If he carries on with his current scoring ratio he will end the season with 21 goals and 29 assists. 

Neymar has been another player that is really benefiting from Galtier’s tactical approach this season. 

The Brazilian has had a dazzling start to the season and already has 15 goal contributions in his first nine league matches of the season. 

PSG have made a good start to life in Ligue 1 this season and they are looking on track to defending their Ligue 1 title. 

Galtier’s side have won eight of their opening nine matches and they currently sit top of the table. 

The biggest prize available to them is of course the Champions League and with an inform Messi and Neymar, there’s no reason why this year can’t be the year for PSG in Europe too.