Lionel Messi has been one of the most reliable performers on the European stage over the past 10 years, appearing in well over 80 per cent of Barcelona’s total La Liga minutes since 2010. This puts the Argentine international well clear of any other outfield player in the most recent study by CIES Football Observatory . Ballon d'Or voting breakdown: Who voted for who as Messi beat Van DijkMessi was fielded for 83.4 per cent of total minutes played by Barcelona in La Liga between 01/01/2010 and 15/11/2019, which equates to 28309 minutes. These stats show the star forward’s longevity, fitness and consistent form – putting him well clear of any other outfield player from the 42 ever-present clubs in the top five European leagues over the past decade. JUST IN: Lionel Messi mother shocked Barcelona ace beat Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to Ballon d'Or

Source: Express December 07, 2019 06:56 UTC