Messi breaks former team-mate's LaLiga record

Lionel Messi has broken the record for the most appearances in LaLiga by a non-Spanish player.

Messi made his 423rd LaLiga appearance when he was named in the Barcelona team for Sunday's home game against Girona.

The Argentina international overtakes a former Barcelona team-mate, Dani Alves, who previously occupied the record with 422 outings.

Messi is in a rich vein of form since taking the Barca captaincy, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 Champions League defeat of PSV last time out.

 

September 23, 2018

In true Messi fashion, the Argentine celebrated the landmark in style, scoring the opener with a precise finish from Arturo Vidal's pass.

However, it wasn't enough for the Catalans to claim victory, with Cristhian Stuani's brace forcing them to settle for a point.

Messi has spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, whilst Alves' previous record was set during spells with both Sevilla and Barca.

The Brazilian started his career in his homeland with Bahia before making the move to Andalusia as a 19-year-old in 2002.

His impressive form earned him a move ot the Camp Nou six years later, where he would spend eight years and firmly establish himself as one of the best right-backs in the world.