Raphinha matches Leo Messi’s Barcelona record to take LaLiga scoring lead
Raphinha’s latest goal against Rayo Vallecano placed him alongside Lionel Messi as the only Barcelona player in recent years to score in each of the opening three LaLiga rounds.
Raphinha has started the new LaLiga campaign in sensational form, becoming the first Barcelona player since Lionel Messi in 2020-21 to score in each of the opening three league matches after finding the net twice in the 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
The Brazilian entered the game already carrying impressive momentum after scoring twice against Elche before adding another goal against Athletic Club, and he continued that run by producing another decisive display at Camp Nou.
His first goal against Rayo came in the 19th minute, when he calmly finished after Barcelona had fallen behind, before he returned in the second half to put the hosts firmly in control with his second of the night.
The brace took Raphinha’s league tally to five goals, moving him to the top of the LaLiga scoring standings and above Kylian Mbappé.
Beyond the numbers, his consistency has quickly become one of Barcelona’s biggest strengths under Hansi Flick.
The 29-year-old has now scored in every league appearance this season, while his combination with Lamine Yamal has given Barcelona a formidable attacking threat.
Yamal also scored twice against Rayo, meaning both forwards have already established themselves as key figures in Barcelona’s perfect start.
With three victories from three matches, Barcelona are sitting on nine points alongside Real Madrid, while Raphinha’s early scoring surge has added another dimension to the champions’ title defence.
