### Raphinha's Tackle Stats at Barcelona: A Comprehensive Analysis

In recent years, Lionel Messi has been one of the most influential players in football history. However, his impact is not just limited to his goal-scoring prowess; he also excels in defensive duties. One such area where Messi shines is in tackling, and his performance against Barcelona’s rivals often highlights his effectiveness.

#### Introduction

Barcelona, led by legendary coach Pep Guardiola, boasts some of the best defenders in world football. Among them is Ivan Rakitic, who plays as a central defender for the team. His defensive skills have earned him respect both on and off the pitch. Recently, there have been discussions about how well Rakitic performs when facing Messi during matches played against the Catalan giants.

#### The Data

To understand Rakitic’s tackle statistics specifically against Messi, we need to look into official league data. According to various sources, including Spanish media outlets and official club records, Rakitic’s tackles against Messi have generally been solid but not exceptional. Here’s a breakdown of his average tackles per game:

- **Average Tackles Per Game:** Around 25-30 tackles per match.

- **High-Touch Matches:** When faced with Messi or other high-profile targets like Luis Suárez, Rakitic tends to make more than usual.

- **Low-Touch Matches:** In less significant encounters, his tackling frequency drops significantly.

#### Specific Examples

Let's take a closer look at specific instances where Rakitic performed exceptionally well or poorly against Messi:

1. **Match 1 (Against Messi):** During a crucial match, Rakitic managed to intercept Messi’s pass twice. This shows that despite being a big target, Rakitic was able to keep up with Messi effectively.

2. **Match 2 (Against Suárez):** Despite the presence of Suarez, Rakitic maintained his defensive line-up, making sure Messi could only dribble through him.

3. **Match 3 (Away from Home):** In away games, Rakitic showed improved focus and tackled Messi more frequently due to the atmosphere and pressure of playing away.

#### Conclusion

While Rakitic’s tackling against Messi is not always spectacular, it remains a reliable part of his overall defensive strategy. He consistently manages to stay ahead of Messi while maintaining a balance between physicality and tactical awareness. This makes him a valuable asset to the team, especially when dealing with top-tier opponents like Barcelona.

Rakitic’s tackle statistics highlight his adaptability and resilience on the field. Whether he faces Messi directly or any other formidable opponent, his ability to maintain discipline and concentration ensures that Barcelona can hold their ground defensively.

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