Which Barcelona players have been positively affected by Neymar's departure?

3) Lionel Messi

Barcelona v Eibar - La Liga

Everybody is aware of how close Neymar and Messi were at Barcelona. They had an amazing chemistry on and off the pitch. Messi always helped him improve and grow as a player.

The Brazilian's departure was something that Messi didn't want but certainly, hasn't let affect his performance. Messi has arguably been the brightest in Europe so far, bagging 9 goals in the league so far, from 6 games, and 2 amazing goals against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.

While Neymar was present, Messi always tried to beat a couple of defenders and selflessly pass the ball to Neymar to finish it off. This selflessness made their attack force stronger but it also wasted some clear chances in front of goal.

Now that Neymar's gone, Messi does the job himself. Playing lethally as a false 9 almost throughout the game, he now gets more time on the ball and Messi with the ball means more goals or more chances.

The Argentine has created an incredible 11 chances in the league all alone, helping the team to maintain a 6-match winning streak. Certainly, after the Brazuka's departure, we are seeing a more attacking Messi who is hungry for goals and just can not stop scoring.