Barcelona captain Raphinha equalled Lionel Messi’s remarkable LaLiga record at Mestalla on Sunday, September 6, 2026, scoring in the 50th minute of Barcelona’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Valencia to reach six goals in the club’s opening four league matches of the season.
Raphinha’s latest goal placed the Brazil international in an exclusive group previously occupied only by Messi this century. Messi reached the same six-goal mark in Barcelona’s first four LaLiga matches in both the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
The 29-year-old forward struck after half-time to put Barcelona 3-0 ahead at the Mestalla, adding to goals scored in each of his previous three league appearances.
Barcelona had already taken control through Lamine Yamal and Fermín López before Raphinha extended the advantage. Pedri later added a fourth, while Yamal completed his brace to seal a commanding victory for Hansi Flick’s side.
The result preserved Barcelona’s perfect start to the 2026-27 LaLiga campaign. The defending champions have collected 12 points from their first four matches and sit at the top of the table.
Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the LaLiga season with a commanding 5-0 victory over Valencia, led by standout performer Fermin Lopez.
Fermin contributed one goal and two assists, playing a crucial role in the comprehensive win. Lamine Yamal scored twice, while Raphinha and Pedri also found the net as Barcelona dominated from the outset.
This result keeps Barcelona atop the LaLiga table with 12 points from four matches, two points clear of second-placed Alaves, who defeated Osasuna 5-2 with a hat-trick from Lucas Boye.
Valencia, in contrast, remain at the bottom with only one point. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised his team’s control and creativity, especially Fermin’s energy and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
In other LaLiga action, Espanyol salvaged a 1-1 draw against Sevilla thanks to a 98th-minute header from Marcos Fernandez, after Sevilla had gone down to ten men. Malaga and Levante played out a goalless draw, with Malaga’s Chupe missing an early penalty, extending their winless run.
Raphinha’s scoring run has been particularly impressive for its consistency. He has found the net in all four of Barcelona’s league matches so far, beginning with a brace against Elche, followed by goals against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano before his strike at Valencia.
His six goals also put him at the top of the early LaLiga scoring standings, underlining the Brazilian’s increasingly influential role in Barcelona’s attack.
The achievement has drawn comparisons with Messi, whose extraordinary consistency in front of goal established the benchmark Raphinha has now matched.
Messi scored six times across Barcelona’s first four league games in 2012-13 before repeating the feat the following season.
Raphinha has now become the first player since Messi to reach the same mark in the opening four matches of a LaLiga campaign.
Raphinha’s landmark comes at an important moment in his Barcelona career.
The Brazil international has taken on the captaincy and has responded with a blistering start in front of goal, giving Flick another potent attacking option as Barcelona defend their league title.
Barcelona’s performance at Mestalla also offered evidence that Raphinha’s individual form is part of a wider attacking surge.
Fermín produced a goal and two assists, while Yamal scored twice as Barcelona dismantled Valencia with an authoritative display.
The next challenge arrives quickly.
Barcelona are scheduled to face Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, September 9, giving Raphinha an immediate opportunity to extend his remarkable scoring run beyond domestic competition.
With six LaLiga goals already on the board, Raphinha has matched one of Messi’s early-season benchmarks.
The more intriguing question now is whether the Barcelona captain can turn that exceptional start into another landmark campaign.
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