The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has made another bit of club history in FC Barcelona’s latest La Liga match.
Lionel Messi has surpassed Xavi Hernandez’s record of 505 games in La Liga for Barcelona and becomes the ninth highest appearance-maker in the Spanish league’s history.
The 33-year-old has made his 21st league appearance of the season for Barcelona’s match against Cadiz on Sunday afternoon. It brings his total amount of matches up to 506, moving him one clear of Xavi.
506 – Lionel Messi has become the @FCBarcelona player with the most LaLiga appearances (506) surpassing Xavi Hernández (505). Historic. pic.twitter.com/tqQVb0b4Cj
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 21, 2021
Messi can even move level with Real Madrid’s injured captain Sergio Ramos on 507 appearances if he plays against Elche on Wednesday.
Real Betis star Joaquin remains the active player with the most appearances in La Liga, having played 567 games so far. The 39-year-old midfielder, however, still has some way to go to catch Andoni Zubizarreta’s record.
Messi’s Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, meanwhile, has become the fourth player in history to play 400 times in the Spanish league for the club.
Footballers with the most appearances in La Liga history
(*) – Still Active.
| Pos | Player | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Andoni Zubizarreta | 622 |
| 2. | Joaquin Sanchez (*) | 567 |
| 3. | Raul Gonzalez | 550 |
| 4. | Eusebio Sacristan | 543 |
| 5. | Paco Buyo | 542 |
| 6. | Manolo Sanchis | 523 |
| 7. | Iker Casillas | 510 |
| 8. | Sergio Ramos (*) | 507 |
| 9. | Lionel Messi (*) | 506 |
| 10. | Xavi | 505 |
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