Messi Dethroned: Raphinha Sets Barça’s UCL Goal Involvement Record

Barcelona forward Raphinha has set the club’s record for Champions League goal involvements, surpassing Lionel Messi’s long-standing record in the competition by achieving 20 goal involvements.

With an assist in the 3-3 stalemate in the UEFA Champions League semifinal clash against Inter Milan, the Brazilian has been involved in 20 goals, including 12 goals and 8 assists, setting a new European record for the Blaugrana.

Raphinha has surpassed Leo Messi’s record of 19 goal involvements from the 2011/12 season. His 19 goal involvements – 14 goals and five assists – were a record in the Champions League that no FC Barcelona player had surpassed. However, Raphinha is having a sensational season, and his headed assist during the six-goal thriller against Inter Milan took him to 20 goal involvements, including 12 goals and 8 assists, setting a new Barça record in Europe’s premier club competition.

Raphinha is close to the all-time record for the tournament – Cristiano Ronaldo with 21 involvements in the 2013/14 season. Raphinha has at least one more game to equal or surpass that figure. His first chance comes in the semifinal return leg against the Nerazzurri. And just maybe he will be able to add to his tally of goal involvements at the final in Munich.