Football New Dynamics Network

Di María's Playing Time Benfica 2023

### Di María's Playing Time at Benfica in 2023

In the competitive world of football, players often find themselves in different clubs and playing roles throughout their careers. For Argentine forward Lionel Messi, also known as Leo Messi, his journey with Portuguese giants Benfica has been marked by significant milestones and challenges.

#### Introduction to Di María at Benfica

Lionel Messi made his debut for Benfica in the 2015–16 season, making him one of the youngest players in the club's history. The Brazilian club was looking for a new attacking force, and Messi quickly rose to prominence under coach Jorge Jesus. During this period, Messi became one of Benfica's most influential players, scoring numerous goals and contributing significantly to the team's success.

#### Key Moments in Benfica Career

1. **2016–17 Season**: Messi played in all 38 league matches for Benfica, starting 28 games and appearing in 30 league appearances. He scored 9 goals in total, which helped secure the club's promotion to the top tier of Portuguese football, the Liga Nacional de Futebol Profissional (LNF).

2. **2017–18 Season**: In the following campaign,Chinese Super League Matches Messi continued to be a dominant presence for Benfica. He started 27 games and appeared in 31 league matches, scoring 11 goals. This performance helped Benfica maintain its position in the LNF and qualified for the UEFA Europa League qualification round.

3. **2018–19 Season**: With Benfica still competing in the LNF, Messi maintained his high level of form. He started 29 games and appeared in 31 league matches, scoring 10 goals. His performances were instrumental in securing the club's third consecutive promotion to the UEFA Champions League.

4. **2019–20 Season**: The 2019–20 season saw Messi continue to shine for Benfica. He started 30 games and appeared in 32 league matches, scoring 12 goals. This performance helped Benfica qualify for the UEFA Champions League once again and further cemented Messi's status as one of the best players in the world.

#### Challenges and Adaptation

Despite his consistent performances, Messi faced some challenges during his time at Benfica. The club struggled financially, which led to some uncertainty about Messi's future. However, he remained committed to his role and continued to excel on the field.

#### Conclusion

Throughout his time at Benfica, Lionel Messi demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership. From his early days as a young player to his mature contributions in later years, he left a lasting impact on the club and the sport of football. His playing time at Benfica spans multiple seasons and highlights his ability to adapt to different environments while maintaining his high level of performance. As Messi continues to evolve and influence the game, his time at Benfica will undoubtedly remain a pivotal chapter in his career.