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Xavi breaks Champions League record with 151st appearance

Carl Recine / Action Images

It's only fitting that a legendary career ends with some history.

In his last appearance with Barcelona after 17 illustrious seasons with the club, Xavi replaced Andres Iniesta in the 78th minute of the Champions League final to become the most capped footballer in the competition's history.

The Spanish midfielder, who is off to Qatari club Al Sadd, began his run with Barcelona's top squad in the 1998-99 season, appearing in his first Champions League contest the same year.

Saturday's 3-1 victory over Italian champions Juventus gave Xavi his fourth career Champions League title. The 35-year-old also heads to Qatar an eight-time La Liga champion and a member of 2010's World Cup winning Spanish side.

Iker Casillas (150) and Raul (142) round out an all-Spanish top-three when it comes to all-time Champions League appearances.

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