It has by no means been a vintage start to the season for Lionel Messi.
The six-time Ballon d Or winner failed to force through an exit from Barcelona at the end of 2019-20 and in his nine appearances in all competitions this term he is yet to register a goal from open play.
His solitary goal in LaLiga came from the penalty spot, as did his three in the Champions League as Ronald Koeman s side navigated meetings with Ferencvaros, Juventus and Dynamo Kiev to reach the midway point of the group stage with a 100 per cent record.
Messi may not be at his prolific best but the 2020-21 Champions League is on course to set a record for the most goals per game in the competition s history.
Still a key creator
All of Messi s three goals may have come from t…