Ronaldo (166) is 15 behind Casillas record in the Champions League and Messi(135) may beat Maldini and Raúl this season.
With Porto eliminated from the Champions League in the previous phase and Iker Casillas away from football, there are only two players participating in this edition that can increase their number of games in the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo is second with 166 presences to 15 of the Spanish goalkeeper's record, while Leo Messi is seventh with 135 meetings four from Paolo Maldini and nine from Raul.
Both are the only ones he could overcome if he reaches the final in Istanbul. Ryan Giggs (151) and Xavi Hernández (157), Barca record man, are still far away.
In the 'top ten', Andrés Iniesta, eighth with 132, is also active but plays in the Japanese Vissel Kobe.
Ranking of matches played in the Champions League (TOP 10)
1. Casillas 181
2. Cristiano Ronaldo 166
3. Xavi 157
4. Giggs 151
5. Raúl 144
6. Maldini 139
7. Messi 135
8. Iniesta 132
9. Seedorf 131
10. Scholes 130