FC Barcelona won 3-0 on Lionel Messi's El Clasico debut in 2005…
After making his La Liga debut during the 2004-05 season, Lionel Messi appeared in an El Clasico tie for the first time in the next season.
On November 19, 2005, the Argentina star featured in the first-ever El Clasico of his career. The Catalan giants thrashed their rivals Real Madrid 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, thanks to Ronaldinho's brace and a strike from Samuel Eto'o.
Since November 2005, Messi went on to play 45 El Clasicos in his career which is the joint most number of appearances along with former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos. Incidentally, both Ramos and Messi have left their respective clubs this season.
Messi is also the highest goalscorer ever (26) in the history of the clash and has also provided the most number of assists.
Let us take a look at the players who played alongside Messi in his El Clasico debut and where are they now?
Getty1Andres Iniesta – Sub
A La Masia product, Iniesta made his Barcelona debut in 2002 and went on to play until 2018. He is the club's third-highest most-capped player after Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez. After leaving Barcelona, he moved to the J-League to join Vissel Kobe. In May 2021, the 37-year-old midfielder signed a fresh two-year contract with the club.
AdvertisementJasper Juinen2Samuel Eto'o – ST
The legendary Cameroon striker played for five seasons at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009. He later played for Inter Milan, Chelsea and Everton. He retired from professional football in 2019 after spending a season with Qatar SC. He is currently the Legacy Ambassador of Qatar World Cup 2022.
Getty3Lionel Messi – RWLionel Messi, who was a part of Barcelona for 21 years, parted ways with the club after his contract ran out in 2021. He recently guided Argentina to Copa America 2021 triumph. This was his first major international trophy with La Albiceleste. Getty4Ronaldinho – LW
The Brazilian legend played at Barcelona from 2003-2008. During that period, he won six titles including two La Ligas and one Champions League. In January 2018, Ronaldinho announced his retirement from professional football.