5 things Barcelona got wrong in 2017

#3 Messidependencia

Leo Messi is carrying Barcelona on his shoulders

The term 'Messidependencia' is related to the habit of Barcelona and Argentina relying on Lionel Messi to deliver the required goods for winning games.

The below-par midfield and the underfiring Suarez has constituted to Lionel Messi carrying the Catalans on his shoulders once again. The Argentine demigod is undoubtedly the greatest player of this generation and it is natural for any team to depend on him, given the abundant goals he scores for his teams.

But considering the stature of Barcelona and their history, is it right for the club to rely continuously on the Argentinian to deliver? Considering the current scenario, the Catalans are close to being called 'the Lionel Messi team', much unlike what they were nearly a decade ago.

The Argentinian rescued 29 points for his club with 48 goals last season in the La Liga and Champions League, better than any other player in Europe, highlighting his importance at the Nou Camp. As of late, Messi has scored 14 goals in the league, just 1 less than Suarez, Alcacer, Paulinho, and Deulofeu combined.

These stats prove how over-reliant Barcelona have become on Messi. However, with the degraded quality of the squad, even having Messi in their line up hasn't quite helped Barcelona these days.

When it comes to games against big clubs, all the opponents have to do is neutralise Messi's threat, which is key to winning games. Real Madrid, Juventus, Valencia and Atletico Madrid are the only elite clubs Barcelona has faced since June. In the 6 games against them, they have won only once, drawn thrice and lost twice, in spite of Messi's presence.

Also, if Leo Messi gets sidelined with an injury, do the Catalans have adequate provisions that will win them games in his absence?

If Barca truly want to be great again, they need to get rid of the Messidependencia and up their ante by shouldering equal responsibilities as soon as possible.