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?