Messi breaks La Liga record

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Lionel Messi has broken the record for the most appearances in La Liga by a non-Spanish player.

Messi made his 423rd La Liga appearance when he was named in the Barcelona team for Sunday’s home game against Girona.

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The Argentina international overtakes former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, who previously occupied the record with 422 outings.

Messi is in a rich vein of form since taking the Barca captaincy, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 Champions League defeat of PSV last time out.

His record appearance got off to the perfect start as he gave Barca the lead in the 19th minute and the champions looked set to collect a fifth straight league win before Lenglet was deservedly dismissed on his first league appearance for Barca following a VAR review.

Cristhian Stuani levelled with a fantastic finish before half-time and five minutes after the restart, the striker was on target again to give Girona hope of recording a famous victory.

But Gerard Pique rose highest in the penalty area to head home and salvage a draw for Barcelona, who move back above rivals Real Madrid into top spot despite dropping their first points of 2018-19.

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Dean Workman