Lionel Messi has been flying high after his performances for Barcelona this season.

In fact, GP Fans Global's Paul Macdonald has compared what the 31-year-old Argentine forward's La Liga goals and assists should be with what he has done this season.

According to the stats, Messi should be averaging 25.55 when it comes to assists and goals. In reality, though, the Barcelona captain is on 38 in the league so far.

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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 26 times in 25 matches in La Liga, with him notching up an impressive 12 assists.

Messi ranks at the top of Macdonald's list, but one of the Barça talisman's teammate, Luis Suárez, is also putting in a strong showing.

The 32-year-old former Liverpool striker should average 18.26 this season and is currently sitting on 17 goals and three assists.

Other players on Macdonald's list can be viewed below (their average first, then their actual goals and assists combined).

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Wissam Ben Yedder (Sevilla): 15.82 (16)

Pablo Sarabia (Sevilla): 14.79 (18)

Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid): 14.26 (17)

Messi, who is the top scorer and top of assists in Europe's top five leagues, inspired his side to a comeback against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Raúl de Tomás put Vallecano ahead in the match, but Gerard Piqué headed home an equaliser from a Messi free-kick.

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The Argentina captain, who will return to international duty this month, handed Ernesto Valverde's men a 2-1 lead when he slotted home from the spot kick, while Suárez scored Barça's third of the match.

Former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique recently praised Messia and compared him to The Matrix.

"We're talking about a genius, we're talking about the Matrix when the image suddenly slows down and he can do whatever he wants: that's what Messi does," he told Catalunya Ràdio.

"It's something only he can do. Andrés Iniesta has that similar peripheral vision. I've only seen those two do it, above all Messi."

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