Neuer surpasses Messi in the Champions League

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer achieved a historic milestone in the Champions League, surpassing Lionel Messi in the list of players with the most appearances in the competition's history . Neuer started for Bayern against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, marking his 164th appearance in the tournament . This feat propelled Neuer to third place on the all-time appearance list, overtaking Messi and his former teammate Thomas Müller, who each have 163 appearances, according to Opta statistics . The German goalkeeper's achievement wasn't limited to surpassing Messi; he also became the German player with the most Champions League appearances, surpassing Müller, whose tally remains at 163. Only two players have more appearances than Neuer on the all-time list: Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record with 183, and Iker Casillas, who sits in second place with 177 .

The ranking of the five players with the most appearances in the history of the UEFA Champions League is as follows :

1. Cristiano Ronaldo: 183 matches .

2. Iker Casillas: 177 matches .

3. Manuel Neuer: 164 matches .

4. Lionel Messi: 163 matches .

5. Thomas Müller: 163 matches.