Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman lauded Lionel Messi as the most important player in the club’s history as the Argentine celebrated making a record-equalling 767th appearance for the Catalans on Monday.

Scoring twice, Messi produced another vintage display as he equalled Xavi Hernandez’s appearance record in Barca’s 4-1 victory over La Liga basement club Huesca.

“What more can you say (about Messi)?” a beaming Koeman told reporters.

“His level over so many years, over so many games... he’s the most important player in Barcelona’s history and thank goodness he’s still here with us.”

The result moved the Catalans to within four points of the top spot as they chase down pace-setters Atletico Madrid.