Iago Aspas Becomes Oldest Active La Liga Player and Nears Messi Goal Record

Iago Aspas turned 39 on 1 August 2026 and will enter the 2026/27 season as the oldest outfield player still active in Spain’s top division. The Celta de Vigo captain, who has spent twelve consecutive seasons with the club, is expected to retire after this campaign.

Aspas is also closing in on Lionel Messi’s post‑30 goal tally. With 123 goals scored after turning 30, he needs nine more to match Messi’s 124 and could surpass the Argentine to claim the record for players aged 30 and over. The Galician striker currently sits 18th on La Liga’s all‑time scoring list and could climb further if he plays the full season.

His longevity and scoring chase have drawn praise from peers, including goalkeeper Matías Dituro and fellow veteran Koke Resurrección, highlighting Aspas’s lasting impact on Spanish football.