Barcelona's dynamic duo, Raphinha and Fermín López, are on the verge of joining an elite group of players to score in the first three La Liga matches, a feat last accomplished by Lionel Messi.
- Raphinha and Fermín López are currently topping Barcelona's scoring charts this season.
- A goal against Rayo Vallecano would place them among only 14 players in club history to score in the first three league games.
- Lionel Messi was the last player to achieve this during the 2020-21 campaign.
In a season of transition and tactical evolution, Raphinha and Fermín López have emerged as the driving forces of Barcelona's attack. After delivering sensational performances—including two goals each in the 5-0 rout of Elche and a crucial strike in the 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao—the pair now faces a historic opportunity against Rayo Vallecano.
The stakes are high: should both players find the net tonight, they will enter a prestigious club of just 14 players in FC Barcelona's storied history to have scored in each of the first three La Liga matches of a single season.
The Messi Connection and Historical Context
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the last man to achieve this feat was none other than Lionel Messi. Paradoxically, the Argentine maestro, who holds the record for the most goals in the club's history (672), only managed this specific early-season treble during his final season at the Camp Nou (2020-2021), scoring against Elche, Athletic Bilbao, and Villarreal.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the current goal-scoring distribution at Barcelona reflects a strategic move away from 'Messi-dependency.' By having multiple threats like Raphinha and Fermín peaking early, the squad becomes less predictable and more resilient against top-tier defensive blocks in La Liga.
"Chasing records associated with Messi provides a psychological catalyst for young players, transforming a standard league match into a quest for immortality."
The club's 'Golden Eras' provided other such examples. Samuel Eto'o netted four goals in three matches during 2006-07, while Zlatan Ibrahimović set a high bar in 2009-10 by scoring in his first five appearances. Cesc Fàbregas also joined the elite list in 2011-12 with four goals in the opening four games.
Looking further back, legends like Ladislao Kubala (1953-54) and Cayetano Re (1964-65) managed to score in the first four opening matches. Meanwhile, César Rodríguez and Zlatan Ibrahimović share the record for the longest scoring streak to start a season, both hitting the mark in five consecutive games.
| Player | Season | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 2020-21 | Scored in first 3 games (Last to do so) |
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | 2009-10 | Scored in first 5 games |
| Ladislao Kubala | 1953-54 | Scored in first 4 games |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What specific record are Raphinha and Fermín López chasing?
A: They are attempting to become among the 14 players in Barcelona history to score in each of the first three matches of a La Liga season.
Q2: Who was the last Barcelona player to achieve this?
A: Lionel Messi was the last to do so during the 2020-2021 season.