Highlights of Lionel Messi absolutely destroying the best teams in England wrecks the myth that he would struggle in the Premier League.
Messi's incredible record against the 'big six' of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham reads 26 goals in only 34 games.
Remarkably that puts him joint-fifth among active players with goals against those six sides - just two below Cristiano Ronaldo - and of course he's the only player on the list never to have played in the Premier League.
But reading the stats is one thing - and see the dazzling highlights of Barcelona's No 10 taking apart the best defences the Premier League has to offer - is quite another.
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From free-kicks to dissecting through-balls to lobs to his trademark mazy runs and - yes - even a headed goal: 'Lionel Messi destroying English clubs' showcases his incredible array of skills.
It's simply amazing to watch as the Premier League's best defenders are undone by the Argentine magician.
Messi's record breaks down as nine goals in six games against Arsenal; six goals in six games against Man City; four goals in six games against Man United; two goals in four games against Liverpool; two goals in two games against Tottenham.
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The only side Messi traditionally had struggles against was Chelsea (three goals - but also three assists - in 10 games). However he broke his scoring duck against the Blues in style the last time he faced them, scoring three goals as Barca knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League in 2018.
Among active players, only Sergio Aguero (54), Jamie Vardy (37), Eden Hazard (29) and Cristiano Ronaldo (28) have more goals against the Prem's 'big six' than Messi.
And, of course, all of those players have played in the Premier League for a prolonged period whereas Messi just gets the occasional Champions League encounter.
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Few question Messi's talent - especially after watching that Twitter compilation - but one criticism occasionally levelled at the 33-year-old is that he's never played outside of La Liga.
However Messi's record against the cream of the crop of English clubs, regularly showing his best form home and away against the best Europe has to offer, indicates he could do it in any league he chose to.
Who knows, we may get even more proof of that from next season onwards.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Premier League
