Argentina stepped on the field for Barcelona for the 767th in the game with Huesca
Lionel Messi wrote another piece of history for himself as he moved a stage with Xavi at the top of Barcelona’s list of appearance makers.
When he took the field against Huesca on Monday, Messi picked up his 767th appearance for the Catalans – moving him along with club legend Xavi.
If Messi does not sign a new contract in the summer, his career in Barcelona will come to an end – but he has gone with a series of records that will never seem like a challenge.
Draw Messi of records
The 33-year-old Argentine overtook Xavi earlier in the season on Barca’s list of Liga appearance makers, but the game against Huesca took him to the top of the games played in all tournaments.
Of the previous 766 games, Messi’s record at 535 has been won, 140 drawn and 91 lost.
Not surprisingly, he has played more games in La Liga than any other tournament. His performance against Huesca brought his domestic league number to 510 – with 149 Champions League games, 79 in the Copa Del Rey, 20 in the Spanish Super Cup, five in the Club World Cup and four in the Super Cup Europe.
Messi, who made his debut for the club in 2005, stands above all Barca players in terms of goals scored, as he has 658 for his name – some 426 clear from Cesar Rodriguez in second place.
Aside from goals and appearances, it’s no surprise that Messi is at the top of the list of players who have won the most awards for the club. He has 34 for his name, with Barca pushing to rise to the stage in La Liga and Copa Del Rey this term.
Xavi on Messi
The pair forged a close bond through the glory years that saw Barca snatch Champions Leagues and Liga titles.
Messi is a six-time Ballon d’Or winner, and Xavi is ranked higher than anyone else who has played the game.
“Ronaldinho is at his best, maybe he had consistency,” Xavi said. “He may not have had consistency at the top. For me, only Messi is above Ronaldinho because of the consistency of the last few years.
“Messi is the best in history.”
Messi on Xavi
Messi is not known for long speeches in front of the media, but what he said about Xavi was telling – with the talent in Spanish football.
“He is the best player in the history of Spanish football,” Messi said of his former team.