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Barcelona's outing this season has produced more questions than answers. The Blaugrana's level of performance so far leaves a lot to be desired. They've been struggling to win matches and currently don't look like they are fully ready for the challenges of the campaign. To make matters worse, Lionel Messi has been on a slow goalscoring run, giving fans a serious headache.
The goals have refused to come for the Argentine maestro as he has bagged just two goals in the Champions League and 14 in La Liga. At this stage last term, he already had six goals to his name in the European tournament and 25 in the Spanish top-flight.
It won't be a ride in the park for Barca this season as the Catalans will need their talisman to be banging in the goals if they want to go far and win anything during the campaign. While fans continue to hope that the 32-year-old will find his scoring boots as soon as possible, let's quickly take a look at the possible factors behind his slow run in front of goal this term.
Also Read: 3 reasons why Lionel Messi should leave FC Barcelona
#1 Fitness issues
It is undeniable that Messi has a decent fitness record in his career. However, it appears he has hit a rough patch with regards to his injury problem this season, which has affected his form and hindered his progression in the campaign.
The Argentine damaged his calf muscle during a training session at the beginning of the season and was ruled out of action for about four weeks. He returned from that layoff only to go on another break after injuring his thigh in a clash against Villareal in September last year. To make matters worse, he spent more than the expected time to recover.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner missed a number of games as a result of these setbacks and he hasn't been at his normal level of performance since then. The attacker is believed to be playing through pain at the moment, with a groin injury still troubling him. With that, it is easy to see why his return in front of goal has dropped.
Also Read: 5 attackers who could beat Lionel Messi to the Champions League Golden Shoe this season
#3 Luis Suarez's absence
Although Messi has played with several world-class attackers in Barcelona including the likes of Samuel Eto, David Villa, and Thiery Henry, it is evident he enjoyed his best partnership with Neymar Junior and Luis Suarez. However, since Neymar left for Paris Saint Germain, the diminutive Argentine has developed an improved connection with Suarez.
Unfortunately, with the Uruguayan striker spending more time on the treatment table than on the pitch this season, his South American compatriot has been missing the chemistry they share and has been struggling to reach his normal goalscoring standards in the absence of his partner-in-crime.
Antoine Griezmann is still adapting to life at the Camp Nou and Ansu Fati is just an upcoming talent. Barca's attackers lack the chemistry needed to keep them shining at the moment. The earlier Suarez returns from his injury layoff, the better for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Catalan faithful will be hoping the 33-year-old forward returns ahead of schedule as the Spanish giants enter the business end of the season.
#2 Managerial switch
Following two-and-half years of mediocrity in Europe - characterised by embarrassing eliminations from the Champions League under Ernesto Valverde - Barcelona finally decided to pull the plug on the former Athletic Bilbao manager - sending him packing from the Catalan capital midway through the season.
Valverde was replaced by ex-Real Betis tactician Quique Setien. The 61-year-old is gradually trying to restore the club's famous possession-based system. While Barca fans are optimistic about the Spaniard's tactics, the fact that Messi is struggling to get to his normal goalscoring form is worrying.
The Argentine has scored just one goal for the club in La Liga since Setien took charge of affairs at Camp Nou. He is currently in his worst goal drought in the Spanish top-flight since 2014, having failed to find the back of the net in his last six fixtures. The managerial switch seems to have unbalanced things in the team and had some effects on Leo.
#1 Barcelona's poor level of performance
If you look at Barcelona's performances this season, doubts may arise over the club's ability to compete at the highest level. The team has been putting up questionable performances since the campaign kicked-off. The Catalans were eliminated from the Copa del Rey a few weeks ago after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao. They also surrendered the top spot to Real Madrid in La Liga.
Quique Setien's men have won each of their last three matches by a single goal margin. As a matter of fact, in their last game against Getafe, it could've been a different result if the match was extended by just 10 minutes as Barca allowed their opponents to come to life and dominate proceedings in the latter stages.
Truly, Messi is a player who is capable of deciding the fate of games and covering the flaws of his team. However, there are certain times when even the greatest footballer in history would need his teammates to support him. Barcelona have failed at that this term as their performances have failed to lift their talisman.
