Lionel Messi’s Champions League record with Barcelona surpassed by Raphinha in first leg vs Inter Milan

Barcelona and Inter Milan played an unforgettable match in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Raphinha had a key role in the game, and his performance allowed him to surpass a record previously held by Lionel Messi.

This Wednesday, Barcelona and Inter Milan delivered a spectacular match in Catalunya. In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals, they drew 3-3, in a clash full of drama and excitement that lasted until the final whistle. Raphinha made a significant impact, and his performance allowed him to break a historic record that once belonged to Lionel Messi.

With Inter leading 2-1 in the 38th minute of the first half, Pedri sent a floated cross to the box that found Raphinha. The Brazilian winger headed the ball to Ferran Torres, who finished it off for the equalizer.

With that assist, the winger recorded his eighth assist of this Champions League campaign. Combined with his 12 goals, he now has 20 goal contributions in the tournament. That sets a new record in Barcelona’s Champions League history, surpassing the previous mark of 19 held by Messi.

These numbers reflect the incredible performance of the Brazilian star throughout the 2024–25 season. Across all competitions—La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup—he has played 51 matches, contributing to 54 goals, with 30 goals scored and 24 assists.

Messi’s record in the Champions League

On Wednesday, Raphinha eclipsed the record Lionel Messi set during the 2011–12 season. That year, Barcelona reached the semifinals before falling to Chelsea. Still, the Argentine forward shined throughout the tournament, scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists in 11 matches, totaling 19 goal contributions.

Other Messi records with Barcelona

While Messi no longer holds the record for most goal contributions in a single UEFA Champions League campaign for Barcelona, he still maintains numerous other records with the Spanish side—many of which are unlikely to be broken anytime soon.

The Argentine superstar is the second-highest scorer in Champions League history with 129 goals, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo’s 140. That makes him Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer in the competition. In fact, he holds the record for most goals with a single club in Champions League history, with 120.

Messi also holds other major records in the competition: most goals in the group stage (80), most in the round of 16 (29), and most consecutive seasons with at least one goal (18). All of this, along with the four Champions League titles he won with Barcelona, cements Leo’s legacy as one of the greatest in the history of European soccer.

From: bolavip.com