Raphinha Makes Champions League History, Breaks Lionel Messi's Barcelona Record

• Raphinha has broken Lionel Messi’s record, making UEFA Champions League history with Barcelona
• The Brazilian winger notched his 20th goal involvement of the season, surpassing Messi’s previous record
• Now, only Cristiano Ronaldo stands ahead of him for the most goal contributions in a single UCL campaign

After an outstanding performance in the semi-final first-leg draw against Inter Milan, Barcelona star Raphinha has officially broken a UEFA Champions League record previously held by club icon Lionel Messi.

The Brazilian winger has been in sensational form this season, emerging as a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or. Before Wednesday’s match, he had already amassed 30 goals and 21 assists across 51 appearances.

Raphinha overtakes Lionel Messi's Champions League milestone

Raphinha's Champions League contributions alone this season have been remarkable, with 12 goals and 7 assists, matching Messi’s record of 19 goal involvements in a single campaign.

However, during the first half at Camp Nou, the winger moved past the Argentine legend by assisting Ferran Torres' goal, which brought the score level at 2-2 after a blistering start from Inter, per talkSPORT.

He also edged closer to another milestone, moving just one assist shy of Luis Figo’s long-standing record of nine assists in a single UCL campaign, set during the 1999/2000 season, also in a Barcelona shirt.

Raphinha closes in on Cristiano Ronaldo's record

With that assist by Raphinha, only Cristiano Ronaldo has ever recorded more goal contributions in a single Champions League season, per Opta stats.

CR7 set the bar with 21 goal involvements during the 2013-14 campaign, a season that marked the beginning of Real Madrid's era of European dominance.

In the Inter Milan draw, Raphinha came close to equaling the Portuguese legend's record of 21 goal contributions in a single Champions League campaign.

In the 65th minute, his thunderous long-range strike seemed destined for glory but ultimately deflected off goalkeeper Yann Sommer and was recorded as an own goal, leaving the Brazilian at 20.

However, per the Champions League website, Raphinha has a chance to equal or even surpass Ronaldo's goal contribution record during the UCL semi-final second leg on May 6 at the San Siro Stadium.

How Raphinha has fared this season

Since joining Barcelona from Leeds in 2022, Raphinha has made a remarkable impact, racking up 137 appearances with 50 goals.

This season has been his most prolific yet, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s standout performers under new manager Hansi Flick.

Barcelona is enjoying a resurgence and remains on course for a historic treble, having already secured the Copa del Rey last weekend.

Central to their success has been the front three of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski, who have terrorised defences.

UEFA stirs reactions with Lamine Yamal post

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted how UEFA stirred excitement online with a cryptic post about Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.

The puzzling message on X sparked a wave of fan reactions, with many speculating about the 17-year-old's rising influence in European football.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh