Lionel Messi on worst scoring run since 2011

As Barca struggle for form - the club have lost back-to-back games in La Liga - their ace is in the midst of his poorest spell in front of the net for half a decade

Barcelona star Lionel Messi is in the midst of his worst scoring drought in five years – having gone four matches without a goal for the Catalans. 

He has now gone 362 minutes since finding the net in all competitions – his worst run since April and May of 2011.

The Ballon d’Or winner has been prolific for Luis Enrique’s side since breaking into the side in 2004 and stands on the verge of scoring his 500th career goal. However, that landmark is proving remarkably stubborn for the Argentine to reach.

After failing to score in a 2-2 draw against Villarreal prior to the international break, Real Madrid then shut the 28-year-old out, and his woes only grew deeper on Saturday evening as Barca slumped to a shock 1-0 reverse against Real Sociedad – their third Liga match in succession without a victory. In between times, Messi came up dry in the 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.

While Messi struggles personally, his team’s problems have opened the door to a belated title challenge from Madrid clubs Atletico and Real, who have closed the gap at the summit of the standings to three and four points respectively.