Barcelona‘s fruitless attempts at prying open Atletico Madrid‘s mean defence Wednesday was frustrating for every player in the Catalonian colours of yellow and red, but none more so than Lionel Messi.
Related – Dethroned: Atletico Madrid eliminates Barcelona from Champions League
Luis Enrique’s side toiled to a 2-0 defeat at the Estadio Vincente Calderon in the Champions League quarter-finals, and worryingly, it marked Messi’s fifth match – or 452 minutes – without a goal. It’s the worst run for January’s Ballon d’Or winner since April 2010.
0 – Lionel Messi has not shot on target for the first time in a #UCL game since April 2014, against Atlético too. Neutralized.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 13, 2016
Perhaps something is playing on the Argentine’s mind, with his next strike marking his 500th in the professional game. Meanwhile, his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo is plundering goals in the competition at a devastating rate.
3 goals from 5 attempts. 16 goals in 10 #UCL matches this season. Safe to say this man is quite pleased! pic.twitter.com/APO5UUPBQ9
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 12, 2016
Messi has the opportunity to get back on the scoresheet when Valencia visits the Camp Nou in Sunday’s La Liga action.
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