“Finished Messi >>>> All players to ever touch the ball!” – Fans react as fascinating graphic highlighting PSG superstar’s influence on the pitch surfaces

Lionel Messi fans have taken to social media to praise the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward following the revelation of an incredible statistic. As per Twitter user @gasipo_opinions (Football Analyst), the forward makes, on average, over 11 progressive passes per 90 minutes, while having an expected assist rate of just above 0.4 per game.

The iconic Argentinian forward moved to the French capital following his departure from Barcelona last summer, and hasn't always found life easy at Le Parc Des Princes.

The winger has scored just three goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances this season. He was heavily booed by his own supporters in a league game against Bordeaux. This came after PSG's disastrous defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League second round where they threw away a two-goal lead in the final 45 minutes of the tie.

The 34-year-old's shortage of goals and lack of impact in Europe has led many to claim the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is finished as a player at the top level.

However, @gasipo_opinions has posted a fascinating graphic on the social media platform which shows how influential La Pulga has been in the French top flight this season.

No other major player in Europe has come close to Messi in this graphic in terms of productivity, having provided 13 assists this season, second only to PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Twitter users were full of praise for the dimunative forward, and here are some of the best reactions:

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Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Lionel Messi

Messi's former manager Pep Guardiola believes that the forward will have a huge impact on Argentina at this year's World Cup in Qatar.

La Albiceleste secured their place at the winter tournament following a convincing qualifying campaign in the CONMEBOL zone. The number 10 was influential during their run, scoring seven goals.

This will almost certainly be Messi's last chance to win the one prize that has eluded him during his illustrious career. The Argentine came very close in 2014, before losing to Germany in the final.

Guardiola feels this may be the South American giants' time to win football's biggest international tournament.The Manchester City boss said the following in an interview with Telemundo Sports (via Mundo Albiceleste):

“The fact of having him there, knowing that he has the unique ability to always create two or three personal actions out of nothing, be it goals or generating play with his forward team mates like Di María, Lautaro or Julián Álvarez… That feeling of strength is great.”

The duo were unstoppable in their time together at Barcelona. They won two Champions League titles and three La Liga titles in four seasons, including an unprecedented treble in the 2008-09 season.