Lionel Messi’s Barcelona stats prove Ernesto Valverde needs Neymar- news now
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Barcelona are stalling with Lionel Messi and Starsport’s exclusive analysis proves Ernesto Valverde must start planning for life without the diminutive superstar. Since breaking into the first team in 2004, the Argentina international has gone from child prodigy to household name. After nearly two decades at the club, Messi has firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in history. But he’s yet to play a competitive game this season and missed Barca's pre-season tour of the United States earlier this month with a calf strain. Having felt additional discomfort last week, club bigwigs are taking no chances with his recovery. In Messi’s absence, Barcelona are struggling for form with the new season in its infancy. Read More Latest Barcelona news They lost 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao in their opening fixture before following that up with a thumping 5-2 win over Real Betis. However, the wheels came off again on Saturday and they could only secure a 2-2 with minnows Osasuna. Messi’s statistics over the last four seasons prove how reliant Barca are on their talisman. His performances have actually got better with age. Nevertheless, the 32-year-ol...