PSG 2022/23 Season Review: Lionel Messi

With the 2022/23 season over and already a few days in the rearview mirror, it's time to reflect on the year that was around Paris Saint-Germain. During the next few days, we'll review the years of all PSG players, from the reserve goalie to the last striker by way of all defenders and midfielders, here at PSG Post.

Lionel Messi - 2022/23 Season Review

Messi's farewell season in Paris was nothing short of exceptional, as he continued to astound fans and critics alike with his performances on the pitch and all of the drama he generated off it. In the French top-flight division, Messi appeared in 32 matches starting every one of those.

Every time Messi graced the pitch, he nearly logged the full 90 minutes with an actual average of 89 minutes per game.

In terms of attacking contributions, Messi netted an impressive 16 goals, surpassing the expectations set by his xG of 15.49. Although his scoring frequency stands at 178 minutes per goal, his impact on the game extends far beyond finding the back of the net.

While Messi is renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, his playmaking abilities are equally extraordinary if not better. Messi completed a 16-assist season leading all Ligue 1 players and getting crowned as the best passer in France last season. With an average of 3 key passes per game and a remarkable passing accuracy of 83%, Messi consistently created scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Off the ball, Messi's influence was felt in various aspects of the game. His dribbling skills were unmatched, as he successfully completes an average of 3.2 dribbles per game with a success rate of 59%. He excelled in possession retention, making an average of 50.2 accurate passes per game.

Messi is leaving Paris for Miami, and he will do so without helping PSG to lift their first-ever Champions League.

Last year, although productive, wasn't entirely fruitful for Messi on European grounds. He scored four goals and assisted four more in a span of four games in the group stage, but he was an afterthought in the R16 matchup against Bayern Munich even though he logged the full 180 minutes of play in the two games played against the German giants.