LaLiga 2018/19: 6 most loyal players ahead of the new season

#1 Lionel Messi - Barcelona

Lionel Messi is Barcelona's new captain for the upcoming season

Signed: July 1st, 2005

Time at current club: 4,794 days/13 years and 1 month

Appearances: 552

Goals: 240

Beating Ramos to the number one spot by a mere 31 days, Messi has become the longest-serving one-club player in La Liga since the departure of Andreas Iniesta.

Having been spotted by Barcelona scouts at the age of 12, Messi joined the La Masia Academy in July 2000. He spent just a year there before joining Barcelona's "Baby Dream Team" which included the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique.

After five seasons playing for the youth teams, Barcelona C team, and Barcelona B team, Messi finally linked up with the first team squad in an official capacity in 2005. His rapid rise through the youth and reserve system earned him a full team debut in the 2005/06 La Liga season and he quickly became an essential first team player for La Blaugrana.

The rest is history as the Argentine forward has gone on to arguably become the greatest footballer of all time. He has won five Ballon d'Or awards, five European Golden Shoes, been named La Liga's Best Player six times, and won four UEFA Champions Leagues and nine La Liga titles with Barcelona.

This season, Messi will officially take the captain's armband for his club and hope to add to his incredible legacy at the Nou Camp.