# Statistics of Di María's Playing Time at Benfica
In the illustrious career of Lionel Messi, his time spent with Benfica stands as one of the most notable chapters in his football journey. This article delves into the statistics of Di María's playing time at the Portuguese club during his tenure from 2011 to 2014.
### Key Highlights:
1. **Total Matches Played:**
- Di María played in a total of 58 matches for Benfica across all competitions.
- He made his debut for the club on December 27, 2011, and made his last appearance on May 9, 2014.
2. **Appearances in Major Competitions:**
- In the UEFA Champions League, he made 16 appearances.
- In the Liga Nacional (Portuguese top division), he appeared 42 times.
- In the Copa do Brasil, he participated in 10 games.
- In the Supercopa do Brasil, he featured once.
3. **Goals and Assists:**
- Di María scored 11 goals during his time at Benfica.
- He provided 4 assists in his 58 appearances.
4. **Playing Time:**
- On average, Di María played approximately 380 minutes per match.
- The longest match he played was against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League,Bundesliga Express lasting 90 minutes.
5. **Seasons and Performances:**
- During his first season (2011-2012), he contributed significantly to Benfica's success, appearing in all three major competitions.
- His second season (2012-2013) saw him continue his impressive form, scoring five goals in 14 appearances.
- The third season (2013-2014) marked a decline in performance, with only two goals in six appearances.
6. **Transfer Window Exit:**
- Di María signed for Paris Saint-Germain on January 2, 2014, citing personal reasons and a desire to move away from Portugal.
- His departure left Benfica with a void in their attacking lineup, but it also highlighted the importance of his contributions to the club over those four seasons.
### Conclusion:
Lionel Messi's time at Benfica was characterized by both highs and lows, but it remains a significant period in his career. His ability to score goals and provide assists while playing consistently throughout the major competitions is evident in his statistics. While his time with the club may have been brief compared to some of his other stints, his impact on the team and his contribution to Benfica's history cannot be overstated.