Messi and Busquets: World Record for Matches Played Together

Their partnership began at FC Barcelona and continued across the Atlantic at Inter Miami CF, bringing remarkable success wherever they played. The duo in question is none other than Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), Messi and Busquets have played 653 professional matches together, setting a world record for the most games played as a duo. Analysts suggest that this record could stand unbroken for decades.

Of these 653 matches, 569 were in Barcelona colours and 84 for Inter Miami. Their collaboration on the field began on 13 September 2008, when Messi and Gerard Piqué were both present for Busquets’ professional debut.

Busquets also features in the second-ranked partnership alongside his Spanish compatriot Piqué. Together, they played 620 matches, including 533 for Barcelona and 87 representing Spain. Achieving over 600 matches together is exceptionally rare in professional football.

Recently, IFFHS noted that Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller of Bayern Munich have entered this elite list, having played 611 matches together.

Although Messi and Busquets no longer share a club, both remain active in professional football. While the possibility of reuniting at another club cannot be entirely ruled out, it is considered extremely unlikely. For now, their record stands as a lasting testament to their on-field chemistry.

It is important to note that only top-level competitive matches have been counted in this record—every game in which both players took the field has been included.

Record of Matches Played Together

Messi and Busquets’ partnership remains one of football’s most enduring and remarkable duos, highlighting the rare combination of talent, longevity, and mutual understanding on the field.