Barcelona forward breaks Lionel Messi’s Champions League record | OneFootball

While Lamine Yamal stole the headlines with his dazzling performance against Inter Milan, it would be unkind not to acknowledge another key figure in Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 Champions League semi-final draw—Raphinha.

The Brazilian winger quietly yet decisively left his mark on the contest, delivering when it mattered most and making history along the way.

Raphinha provided the crucial assist for Ferran Torres’ goal and also played a direct role in Barça’s third, which was ultimately ruled as an own goal by Yann Sommer.

Breaking Messi’s record

These contributions were more than just flashes of brilliance, as they were historic. With this, Raphinha became the Barcelona player with the most goal involvements in a single European campaign, surpassing none other than Lionel Messi.

It must be noted that in the 2011–12 season, the Argentine had 19 direct goal involvements (14 goals and 5 assists).

Raphinha has now tallied 20 (12 goals, 8 assists), a staggering figure that cements his status as one of the most impactful players in Europe this season.

Raphinha played a key role against Inter. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

His overall numbers in a Barcelona shirt are just as impressive. Across 49 appearances, he has been involved in 49 goals—30 scored, 19 assisted.

That is nearly one goal contribution per game and a direct involvement in almost one-third of Barça’s 158 goals over the past 54 matches.

Yet, despite the individual accolades, Raphinha showed his maturity post-match. He did not let the personal milestone overshadow the team’s shortcomings.

“Conceding so many goals at home is unacceptable,” he admitted, acknowledging that Barcelona’s defensive lapses had made things harder than necessary.

Importantly, Raphinha also struck a balanced tone. “It is not the worst result,” he said, adding that everything remains in play for the second leg.

That level-headedness speaks volumes. He knows what is at stake and recognises the importance of learning from mistakes without losing sight of the bigger picture.