Raphinha broke Messi’s incredible record in Barcelona’s dramatic draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Barcelona and Inter Milan played out a classic first leg of their Champions League semi-final and it was a night to remember for Raphinha. Raphinha cemented his growing status as a Ballon d’Or contender with another stellar performance in Barcelona’s 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of their exciting Champions League semi-final on Tuesday morning.

The 28-year-old Brazilian maestro was again influential as Hansi Flick’s side ensured they travel to Italy next week for the second leg on level terms, having twice fought back against Inter Milan at the Nou Camp. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres – along with a Yann Sommer own goal – helped Barca to a 3-3 draw, having trailed 2-0 at home to Inter.

Raphinha assisted Torres just before half-time to level the score at 2-2 for Barcelona, ​​and in doing so, former Leeds United star Raphinha broke Messi’s incredible record at the Nou Camp.

It was Raphinha’s 20th assist and goal in the Champions League this season, one more than Lionel Messi managed in his best European campaign at Barca before leaving the club in 2021.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo has ever scored more goals and assisted more in a single Champions League campaign. But with Ronaldo’s previous best being 21 goals and assists, Raphinha could surpass that this season.

In total, former Premier League star Raphinha has 30 goals and 21 assists in 51 games in all competitions for Barca this season. Raphinha has become increasingly influential in Barca’s title race and could end the season with a treble of trophies after Barca’s victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final last weekend.

While Raphinha etched his name into the Barcelona history books, it was his teammate, the talented Lamine Yamal, who caught the eye of Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand as he commented on the match on TNT Sports that night.

Raphinha broke Messi’s incredible record but it was 17-year-old Yamal who grabbed the most attention after becoming a global superstar. PHOTO: GETTY
After playing a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, Yamal has continued to be a key figure for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side this season. And after seeing Yamal reduce Barcelona’s deficit to 1-2 against Inter Milan midway through the first half with a superb goal, Rio Ferdinand couldn’t help but praise the teenager on social media.

‘As a true football talent, I have to say that Lamine Yamal is on a different level to any player playing in the top 5 leagues in the world,’ Rio Ferdinand posted, ’17 years old. Unbelievable.’