Playmaker Xavi, one of the candidates shortlisted for the 2010 Ballon d'Or, equalled the appearance landmark of legendary centre-back Migueli and at 30, the midfielder is set to go on and better the benchmark.
Local boy Xavi made his Barcelona debut in the 1998-99 season and has been a virtual ever-present in his 12 seasons at Camp Nou, helping the club win five Spanish league titles and two Champions League crowns, in 2006 and 2009.
He was also a key member of the Spain team that won the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup.
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