Chart shows Messi’s ability may be waning.
The Daily Mirror have tweeted a chart showing Lionel Messi’s remarkable goalscoring record in each of his ten years as part of the Barcelona first-team.
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The Argentine, 27, is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time after his remarkable career at the Nou Camp, though these infographic suggests the player’s decline may already have begun.
Messi peaked in his eighth year as a Barca player, but seems to have lost that incredible scoring touch that saw him break numerous records between 2010 and 2012.
Lionel Messi’s 10 years at Barcelona. Has the decline begun? http://t.co/tBUyN5ucI6 pic.twitter.com/SrSZ6kZtA4
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) October 16, 2014
Having amassed an unbelievable 73 goals in 2011/12, Messi followed that up with 60 the following year and then just 41 last season as injuries hampered his progress.
While these numbers are still undoubtedly great by his high standards, it could be that Messi will now score less often than fans have become used to, particularly with suggestions that new Barcelona manager Luis Enrique will use him in a deeper role this season anyway, with the likes of Neymar and summer signing Luis Suarez used further forward.
SEE ALSO: Lionel Messi career in pictures – ten years since Barcelona star’s debut!