After 9 years! Raphinha closes in on Messi's incredible achievement
Raphinha has made an impressive start to the La Liga season and moved closer to Lionel Messi's historic record. In the fifth round of the Spanish championship against Levante, the Brazilian provided an assist for Lamine Yamal, taking his tally to nine goal involvements in his first five league appearances.
In the 19th minute, Raphinha received the ball in a dangerous position, rounded the goalkeeper and set up Yamal, who only had to find the empty net. The assist was the Brazilian's third in the current league campaign, while he has also scored six goals.
According to OptaJose, Raphinha has become the first Barcelona player since Lionel Messi in the 2017/18 season to be involved in at least nine goals in the team's first five La Liga matches. Nine years ago, the Argentine recorded ten goal involvements — nine goals and one assist. Raphinha is therefore continuing to produce phenomenal numbers and has already joined Messi in elite company.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
