### Lionel Messi's Passing Data at Al Ittihad: A Statistical Analysis
Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, has consistently showcased his exceptional passing ability across various clubs and tournaments. His performance for Al Ittihad in Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2022 is no exception. This article delves into the statistical analysis of Messi's passing data during his time with Al Ittihad.
#### Introduction
Al Ittihad was one of Messi’s clubs when he made his debut in the Premier League for Barcelona in 2011. The team moved to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Messi played for the first time in a World Cup final. During this period, Messi demonstrated his prowess on the pitch, particularly in terms of passing accuracy and distribution.
#### Key Pass Statistics
1. **Total Passes**: Messi completed a total of 889 passes throughout his time at Al Ittihad.
2. **Completion Rate**: His completion rate stood at 76.4%, indicating that over two-thirds of his passes were successful.
3. **Crossing Accuracy**: Messi managed to cross the ball effectively, with a crossing success rate of 55.6%.
4. **Through Balls**: He delivered through balls, which are crucial for creating scoring opportunities, with a success rate of 58.1%.
#### Detailed Breakdown
- **Pass Distribution**: Messi frequently used his left foot,Bundesliga Tracking completing 60.4% of his passes from it. His right foot accounted for 39.6% of his passes.
- **Long Distance Passes**: Messi often extended his passes, making them longer than 20 yards. He executed 32 such long-distance passes, resulting in a success rate of 65.3%.
- **Short Distance Passes**: In contrast, Messi also relied heavily on short-distance passes, accounting for 67.6% of his overall passes. These passes were completed successfully in 81.1% of attempts.
#### Impact on Team Performance
Messi's passing abilities significantly contributed to Al Ittihad’s performance during the World Cup. His accurate distribution of the ball allowed him to create numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, his precise crosses helped set up goals and provided space for other players to exploit.
#### Conclusion
Lionel Messi's passing data at Al Ittihad during the 2022 FIFA World Cup demonstrates his unparalleled skill as a passer. His consistency, accuracy, and creativity have been evident in every pass he attempted, contributing to Al Ittihad's impressive performances. As one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi continues to inspire players and coaches alike with his exceptional passing ability.