According to a report by Barca Universal on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Barcelona forward Raphinha has matched Lionel Messi's scoring record from the first 11 matchdays of the 2012-13 La Liga season after an outstanding display against Deportivo Alaves.

The Brazilian struck twice in the first half of Barcelona's 6-1 win at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, taking his league tally to 15 goals this season. That puts him level with Messi, who also scored 15 in the opening 11 matchdays of the 2012-13 campaign one of the Argentine's most productive seasons.

Raphinha's achievement is all the more notable given he has featured in only 10 of Barcelona's league matches this term, starting nine. The forward had struggled to regain top form after an injury during the previous international break, but his two goal showing against Alaves underlined his importance to Hansi Flick's attack. He had a chance to complete a hat trick but was substituted early as the club managed his fitness during his recovery.

His scoring form has also lifted him to the top of the European Golden Boot standings, ahead of Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe 11 league goals, Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal 10 and Manchester City's Erling Haaland nine. Raphinha holds a four-goal cushion over Mbappe, though the Real Madrid forward will have further chances to close the gap.

Despite missing time through injury, Raphinha has maintained an impressive scoring rate and remains a key figure in Barcelona's attack. Matching a record set by Messi during his remarkable 2012-13 season further highlights the quality of Raphinha's performances and his excellent start to the current campaign.