### Messi's Passing Data at Paris Saint-Germain: The Impact of His Absence

Lionel Messi has been a cornerstone of the illustrious history of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), contributing significantly to the club’s success over the years. However, since his departure in 2018, PSG has faced challenges in maintaining their high level of performance and consistency on the pitch.

#### Messi's Passing Data Before His Departure

Before Messi left for Barcelona, he was known for his exceptional passing abilities, which were instrumental in driving the team forward. According to data from Opta, Messi had a remarkable passing accuracy rate of 97%, making him one of the most accurate passers in European football history. His ability to find space between defenders and create opportunities for teammates was unparalleled.

#### Impact of Messi's Absence

The absence of Messi has had a profound impact on PSG's passing data. Without Messi's presence, the team's playstyle has changed, leading to a decrease in the overall number of passes made and received. This can be seen in several key metrics:

1. **Pass Accuracy**: While Messi maintained his high accuracy rates before his departure, his absence led to a slight decline in this metric. In 2019-2020, for instance, PSG recorded a pass accuracy rate of 95%, compared to Messi’s 97%.

2. **Pass Completion Rate**: The completion rate of passes also saw a dip during Messi’s absence. In 2019-2020, PSG achieved a completion rate of 66.4%, whereas Messi’s team had a higher completion rate of 69.1% in the same period.

3. **Distance Covered**: With Messi out, the distance covered per player decreased slightly. In 2019-2020, PSG players collectively covered approximately 30,000 meters per match, while Messi’s team covered about 32,000 meters.

4. **Number of Passes Made**: Overall, the number of passes made by PSG dropped during Messi’s absence. In 2019-2020, they completed around 1,000 more passes than in previous seasons, with Messi’s team recording fewer passes due to his absence.

#### Challenges Post-Messi

Despite these changes, PSG has shown resilience and adaptability post-Messi. The team has focused on developing new attacking formations and strategies that prioritize possession-based football. Players like Kylian Mbappe have stepped up to fill Messi’s role, but there is still a noticeable gap in the quality and quantity of passes when compared to Messi’s days at the club.

#### Conclusion

While Lionel Messi’s absence has undoubtedly affected PSG’s passing data, it highlights the importance of individual contributions in football. As the club continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how they address the gaps left by Messi and whether they can maintain or even surpass their previous levels of success. The journey ahead may be challenging, but the potential for growth and improvement remains strong.

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