5 Premier League clubs who could've used Lionel Messi during a title push over the years

#4 Liverpool, 2013/14

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool reacts after sustaining an injury during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on December 7, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) — *Steven Gerrard narrowly missed out on the title in 2014 – Messi could’ve changed things*

For a long time in the 2013/14 season, it looked like the Premier League title would be heading to Anfield for the first time ever. One mistake from captain Steven Gerrard – he slipped against Chelsea, allowing Demba Ba to score the goal that lead to a loss with just three games to go – changed all of that.

After the Chelsea game, Liverpool fell apart, going 3-0 up against Crystal Palace in their next game before somehow surrendering another lead to draw 3-3. The lost points allowed Manchester City to sneak past the Reds and claim the title despite Liverpool clearly being the best side in the league for most of the season.

With Messi in their team, though? There’s no doubt that Liverpool would’ve claimed that elusive Premier League title. For starters, while Liverpool weren’t short on goals – Luis Suarez scored 31, Daniel Sturridge 21 – they did seem to struggle more against the bigger teams. Of their six losses that season, four of them came against fellow top four sides – one to Arsenal, one to Man City and two to Chelsea. And while Liverpool’s big players couldn’t quite get the job done against those sides, Messi has never struggled on big occasions.

Put Messi into that Liverpool team – alongside his future Barcelona teammate Suarez to boot – and you’ve got a side worthy of winning the Premier League.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Staff Editor