Leeds United hero Raphinha equals Lionel Messi record that appeared untouchable at Barcelona

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Leeds United hero Raphinha is continuing to reach new heights at Barcelona and has now equalled a long-standing record held by Lionel Messi.

It remains a wonder that Raphinha was playing for Leeds United just three years ago as he continues to shine for Barcelona.

Raphinha is now even a legitimate Balon d’Or contender thanks to his sensational displays in La Liga and the Champions League this season.

The Brazilian has now racked up an astonishing 50 goal contributions in just 45 games with 28 strikes and 22 assists.

The latest came in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final demolition of Borussia Dortmund, with Raphinha scoring once and setting up another two in the 4-0 win.

As a result, he has now equalled a record set by Lionel Messi that appeared untouchable in the Camp Nou.

Raphinha equals Lionel Messi Champions League record

After his contributions in the win against Dortmund, Raphinha now has 19 goals and assists in just 11 Champions League matches this season.

That has seen him draw level with Messi’s record for goal contributions in a single Champions League campaign for Barcelona, which was set 13 years ago in the 2011-12 season.

Messi also set his record in 11 games but Raphinha will now almost certainly beat it as he has another three fixtures (presuming Barca don’t blow a four-goal lead in the second leg) in the competition at least, thanks to the new, extended format.

If Barcelona win the Champions League, then Leeds will get an extra £10m fee from the Raphinha sale.

Leeds United fans delighted to see Raphinha shine

Leeds fans flooded social media following yet another remarkable Raphinha performance to hail the winger and reminisce over the fact he used to light up Elland Road.

One fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Every single Leeds United fan knew Raphina would reach these heights. Comfortably one of the best players in #LUFC history.”

Those thoughts were echoed by a fan who wrote: “Ok, it has to be said… Raphinha is the best player to EVER play for #lufc.”

Finally, another added: “Less than 3 years ago, Raphinha was celebrating avoiding relegation with Leeds… Now he’s the current bookies’ favourite for the Ballon d’Or.”