Messi matches Barcelona record for most appearances by a foreign player in La Liga

Lionel Messi has equalled Barcelona's appearance record in La Liga for an overseas player after matching Phillip Cocu's tally following the 2-0 victory over Mallorca on Saturday.

In the same match, the forward also topped Brazilian Ronaldo's record for scoring the most league goals in a season in a Blaugrana jersey, but now he is on his way to overtaking the former Netherlands midfielder, having matched his appearance haul of 205 in the Spanish top-flight.

Once broken, it will be the second of Cocu's records that the Argentine has bettered, having already overtaken the Dutchman's achievement of being the most-represented foreigner in all competitions with 292 appearances.

Messi's latest feat against Mallorca comes after becoming the club's all-time top scorer, and the first-ever player to score five goals in one Champions League match earlier in March.