Lionel Messi has the joint-worst conversion rate in Europe's top-five leagues

The extent of Lionel Messi's slow start at Paris Saint-Germain has today been revealed - with the usually-prolific superstar suffering from the joint-worst league conversion of any player across the top five leagues in Europe.

Having bid an emotional farewell to boyhood club Barcelona over the summer, Messi was snapped up by PSG on a free transfer. However, since his arrival, he has failed to hit the ground running, particularly in Ligue 1.

Messi, in uncharacteristic fashion, has often failed to hit the target and has scored just one goal in the French top-flight so far this season.

When all of his efforts are analysed, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has a conversion rate of just 2.9 per cent.

This dismal statistic sees him level alongside Mainz striker Karim Onisiwo, although the list is taken from players who have had 25 shots or more at goal.

Surprisingly, sitting in third place is Tottenham striker Harry Kane. The frontman has a rate of 3.1 per cent, summing up his woes in north London this year.

For this comparison, players in the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga were taken into account and matched against each other.

It is also worth noting that Messi has taken several long-range free-kicks for his new club, and is also no stranger to chancing his arm from distance.

Mauricio Pochettino has come under fire for his side's lacklustre and disjoined attacking performances, and his talisman appears to be bearing the brunt of this.

Indeed, Messi has made the joint-slowest goal scoring start to a league season.

In the 2005-06 season, it took just six games for him to open his account in LaLiga for Barcelona - and Messi was forced to wait until that milestone this term, too.

His first year in Paris has been hampered by a number of injuries, and currently he is in the midst of a three-game barren streak in Ligue 1.

He has experienced contrasting fortunes in the Champions League, though.

In the group stage, Messi scored five goals - including two separate braces - to help PSG ease through into the next round of the competition.

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