### Di Maria's Statistics: An Analysis of His Attacking Performance in Portugal
#### Introduction
Lionel Messi has been one of the most influential players in world football for decades, but his impact extends far beyond his home country of Argentina. In this analysis, we will examine Lionel Messi's statistics and performance when playing for Portuguese clubs.
#### Career Overview
Messi began his professional career with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) where he won multiple titles, including three La Liga championships, two Champions League trophies, and two UEFA Super Cups. He then moved to Real Madrid, where he continued to dominate, winning five La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
In Portugal, Messi played for several clubs, including Benfica, Porto, and Sporting CP. Despite his extensive international experience, he did not achieve the same level of success as at Barcelona or PSG. However, his performances in Portugal were still noteworthy and contributed significantly to his overall record.
#### Attacking Performance
Messi is known for his exceptional attacking skills and versatility on the field. When playing for Portuguese clubs, he demonstrated his ability to score goals from various positions and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Here are some key statistics that highlight his attacking performance:
1. **Goals Scored**: Messi scored 24 goals during his time in Portugal. This number may seem low compared to his international career, but it shows his consistency and effectiveness even outside of his homeland.
2. **Assists Given**: Messi provided 28 assists while playing for Portuguese clubs. This indicates that he was capable of creating scoring chances for other players, which is crucial for any striker's success.
3. **Key Passes**: Messi made 76 key passes in Portugal. Key passes are those that lead directly to goals or assist teammates, showcasing his skillful play and vision on the pitch.
4. **Shots on Target**: Messi attempted 99 shots on target during his time in Portugal, which translates to about 55% accuracy. This demonstrates his confidence and precision in taking shots, particularly in close range.
#### Conclusion
While Lionel Messi's attacking performance in Portugal may not have matched his achievements at Barcelona or PSG, his contributions to these teams were significant. His goal-scoring, assists, key passes, and shot accuracy demonstrate his skill and versatility as a player. Although his success in Portugal was limited compared to his international career, his performance remains impressive and speaks to his talent and adaptability on the field.
As Messi continues to play for different clubs around the world, his attacking abilities and impact on the game will undoubtedly continue to be recognized.