Barcelona has confirmed in a post on their official website that captain, Lionel Messi, on Sunday night surpassed the Blaugrana legend, Xavi Hernandez’s appearances record following their La Liga El Clasico 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, thanks to two goals from Vinicius Junior and Mariano Diaz.

Messi’s participation against the Los Blancos means the Argentine captain moves past Xavi, as the only Barca player with the most El Clasico appearances against Madrid, taking his total 43.

The Barca number 10 is only behind Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, who makes his 44th appearance on Sunday.

Messi will now hope to lead the Catalan club to victory when they host Real Sociedad in their next La Liga fixture on March 7.

The 32-year-old has been impressive for Quique Setien’s men so far this season.

The six-times Ballon d’ Or winner has scored 18 goals for Barcelona so far this campaign.