Raphinha etched his name into Barcelona’s history books on Wednesday night after breaking a UEFA Champions League record previously held by Lionel Messi. The Brazilian forward was instrumental in La Blaugrana’s 3-3 semi-final first-leg draw against Inter Milan at the Olympic Stadium in Catalunya, delivering a goal and an assist in a high-octane encounter.
Trailing 2-0 in the opening 25 minutes, Barcelona found inspiration through Raphinha, who ignited the comeback with relentless pace and sharp decision-making. His assist in the 38th minute—an intelligent cushioned header to Ferran Torres—was his eighth of the competition, adding to 12 goals he has scored in 13 Champions League appearances this season.
That brings his total goal contributions in the current UCL campaign to 20, surpassing the long-standing club record of 19 set by Lionel Messi during the 2011–12 season. Messi’s record, once thought untouchable, had stood as a benchmark for attacking brilliance in Europe’s elite competition—until now.
The 28-year-old nearly added to his tally in the second half with a thunderous long-range strike that rattled the crossbar, leaving fans on their feet. His performance drew widespread praise from analysts and supporters alike, as Barcelona now look to finish the job in the second leg at the San Siro.
Raphinha’s stellar form is no flash in the pan. Across all competitions this season, the Brazil international has tallied an astonishing 51 goal contributions in 51 matches, solidifying his role as the driving force in Xavi’s squad. His ability to influence high-stakes matches is quickly making him a fan favorite at Camp Nou.
The draw leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next week’s return fixture. Inter Milan will host Barcelona with the aggregate level, but with the Catalan giants buoyed by Raphinha’s form and their spirited comeback. A place in the final hangs in the balance, and all eyes will be on the Brazilian to deliver once more.
For a club still transitioning post-Messi, Raphinha’s emergence as a record-breaker signals a new era of brilliance. Barcelona fans may still sing the praises of their Argentine hero, but today, the spotlight belongs to a Samba star rewriting the script.
