Barcelona have been evolving for some time now and not always in a positive direction and now, in August 2020, everything points towards the biggest change yet as Lionel Messi is on his way out, alongside his friend Luis Suarez.
Ever since the Uruguayan arrived at the club, both of them have led the way in Barcelona's success and there have been countless trophies won.
In six years together, they have conquered Spain, Europe and the world.
Now they have their bags packed and it leaves Barcelona wondering how to replace such talent in so little time.
It's true that 2019/20 has been the worst season of the five full seasons they had together - considering that Suarez couldn't start immediately in 2014/15 due to his FIFA ban.
Even still, they accounted for almost half (47.6 percent) of the goals scored by Barcelona in LaLiga this past term.
Barcelona's total goals and Messi and Suarez's joint goals
2019/20: Barcelona 86; Messi and Suarez 41
2018/19: Barcelona 90; Messi and Suarez 57
2017/18: Barcelona 99; Messi and Suarez 59
2016/17: Barcelona 116; Messi and Suarez 66
2015/16: Barcelona 112; Messi and Suarez 66
Without the pair, Barcelona would have scored just 45 league goals, fewer than any team in Europe.
Reflecting back at the four years before, there is an average of 44.4 goals and 21.2 assists per season for Messi, and 34.6 goals and 17.2 assists per season for Suarez.
That total of 79 goals and 38.4 assists will be very difficult to replace.
Together they have won LaLiga Santander three times in five years, alongside three Copa del Rey titles, and they would likely not have been won without their help.
Now, with the most unusual transfer market in years and in disastrous economic circumstances, Barcelona must decide how to replace 79 goals and 38 assists each year.
Tshoda
960
I disagreed with he part that says without the pair barca would score 45 per season , there will always be someone there to replace the other even if not exactly
Souravlala
300
Messi aint going anywhere....he does this sort of things to distract the fans and critics by tryin to hide his team failures......He started this journey after losing to Chile in the Copa del rey and uses this ninja technique from time to time....so chill guys... PRESENTING U NINJA MESSITORI...DING DING...
SH221B
8
If Messi leaves Barca El-classico will be like a friendly match