Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has covered more ground than Lionel Messi at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, according to statistics.
Having missed a penalty in Argentina's final Group C game against Poland, Messi returned to his usual best against Australia in their 2-1 Rounf of 16 win. He scored the opening goal to take his tally for the campaign to three, but it has been noted that when the PSG ace hasn't been on the ball, he has not been much involved.
Messi has covered just over 4 km across the three group games, while Lewandowski covered 5.2 km in the clash against Saudi Arabia alone.
Robert Lewandowski 🤝 Lionel Messi
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 30, 2022
Legends of the game! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1ha9ms06YR
It shows what a threat the Poland captain has been off the ball, biut Messi generally makes up for his lack of off-the-ball contributions with immense creativity.
He creates plays, can switch plays, find an opening, or break open defences with an incisive through-ball, besides scoring. In short, the Argentina captain is a huge threat in possession.
Messi has three goals and an assist for the Albiceleste, who will continue their pursuit of a third FIFA World Cup title against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on Friday (December 9).
Lewandowski's Poland were sent packing from Qatar following a 3-1 loss to reigning champions France in the last 16, where the 34-year-old striker bagged a late consolation strike from the spot.
Messi's Argentina face tall task in 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals
Argentina's FIFA World Cup title credentials will be put through a wringer against a talented Netherlands side who are unbeaten in 19 games.
The Oranje comfortably sailed through Group A after collecting seven points in three games. They then clinically dispatched USA 3-1 in the Round of 16.
NETHERLANDS VS. ARGENTINA IN THE QUARTERFINALS 🚨🍿 pic.twitter.com/5NqmWB4p2F
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 3, 2022
They could give Argentina a serious run for their money, given their attacking arsenal and a solid defence that has conceded only twice in four games. Messi will have to be at his best against the Oranje, and the Sky Blues will rely on him to produce the goods once more.