Ex-Barcelona Goal Scorer Explains Benefit of Playing Alongside Messi

Lionel Messi has helped many fellow forwards reach new heights with their goal-scoring production. One player that has benefitted from playing alongside the Argentine is David Villa.

Villa spent three seasons with Barcelona, scoring 48 goals in 119 appearances in all competitions. The Spanish goal-scorer noted Messi’s influence on his success during his time with the La Liga side. 

“I scored close to 50 goals in three years, almost all of them with a contribution from Leo Messi,” Villa said (h/t Barca Universal). “When Leo Messi is by your side it’s a blessing, often when things get complicated, he comes up with a solution.”

After struggling in his first Ligue 1 season, Kylian Mbappe has benefitted from playing alongside Messi. The Messi-to-Mbappe combination has been one of the best in European football, as it has posted 10 goals in France’s top league.

However, the connection could replicate its Ligue 1 production in the UEFA Champions League as PSG would not score a goal in their Round of 16 matchup against Bayern Munich, leading to their elimination. 

As a result, Messi’s time in Paris seems to be nearing its end, with his contract expiring in June. He may return to Barcelona if the Spanish club can make the finances work. 

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