“He surprised me” - When Lionel Messi claimed Brazil international is ‘very similar’ to Barcelona teammate Xavi

Lionel Messi once compared Arthur Melo to Barcelona legend Xavi. The Brazilian forward joined the Catalans in 2018 from Gremio, but failed to strike a chord at the club.

He spent two campaigns at Camp Nou, registering four goals from 72 games. However, he was never really a first team regular at the club and was sold to Juventus in 2020.

Despite his struggles, Arthur had an admirer in La Pulga. The Argentinean shared the pitch 60 times with the Brazilian, registering 42 wins and seven defeats.

Speaking previously about Arthur, as cited by MARCA, Lionel Messi stated that the 28-year-old had a playing style that suits the LaLiga giants.

"He is very similar to Xavi, as he likes to have the ball, play short and not lose it. He is very solid and he surprised me. Arthur has the style we have here at Barcelona, he quickly understood training and Barcelona fans like players who are good with the ball at their feet and we are used to having possession," said Messi.

Arthur currently is with Juventus, although he hasn't played for the Serie A giants in the last two seasons. He was sent out on loan to Liverpool in the 2022-23 campaign, but failed to impress at Anfield.

Arthur spent last season with Fiorentina, registering two goals from 48 games.

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Is Lionel Messi Barcelona's record appearance maker?

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has registered 778 appearances for Barcelona, the most for the club in their history. Xavi is the second on the list, having played 767 times for the club.

Interestingly, the only other active player on the top ten list is Jordi Alba, who plays alongside La Pulga at Inter Miami. The Argentinean is also the club's record goalscorer, with an astonishing 672 goals.

Second on the list is the legendary Cesar Rodriguez, who scored 226 times in 344 games for the Catalans. Luis Suarez, who also plies his trade with the Herons is third with 195 goals from 283 games.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has set up 303 goals during his time with the LaLiga giants, also the most in the club's history. Xavi is second with 184 assists, while Iniesta on third has 135.

The Argentinean left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after the club failed to extend his stay. After a two-season stay with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner moved to the MLS in 2023 to join Inter Miami.