A larger percentage of Lionel Messi's output has been converted into assists over the past few seasons.

In 2012-13, they consisted of 26 percent of his goal involvements. That number has since grown to 41 percent and 42 percent before jumping to 62 percent last season.

Messi moved back out to the right-wing midway through Luis Suarez's first season with Barcelona.

Messi's general involvement remains consistent, passing with a similar frequency now as he was as a false nine and his dribbling statistics are similar.

Messi starts out wide before cutting inside now and most of his passes therefore still take place in the center but in a deeper position.

Long passes made up 5.5 percent of his overall passes in 2012-13 but have grown to 6.7 in 2014-15 and 9.7 in 2015-16.

Messi's through balls have increased, going from 1.76 per 90 in 12-13 to 2.41 in 14-15 and 2.23 in 15-16, which is the highest average of any regular starter in Europe's top five leagues. Messi's completion rate even improved while his attempt rate increased.

Messi's goal-scoring has decreased slightly from 1.10 goals per 90 minutes in 14-15 to 0.83 in 15-16.