Lionel Messi didn’t just deliver goals, he was made for crucial moments when his team needed him the most. For nearly two decades, La Pulga was Barcelona’s go-to savior for the majority of the games, producing moments of magic under pressure. Whether it was El Classico, Champions League knockouts, or La Liga title races, Messi consistently stepped up when his team needed him most.
Here are some of Messi’s most clutch goals which defined an era.
Last-Minute Winner vs Real Madrid (2017)
This is by far the most iconic goal Messi scored in an El Classico. With the title race being in full swing, Messi silenced the Madrid crowd with this stunning goal. This goal was crucial as it kept Barcelona in the title race and came in the 92nd minute of football’s most heated rivalry.
Just when the game seemed to end with a 2-2 draw, in the dying seconds of the extra time, Sergi Roberto ran diagonally over the pitch to feed a pass to Andre Gomes, who gave the ball to Alba. Alba’s cutback found Messi at the edge of the box, and he calmly slotted it past Navas to secure a 3-2 victory. Messi held his shirt in front of the Madrid crowd; the whole moment was nothing but iconic.
Champions League Semifinal Goal vs Real Madrid (2011)
This Messi solo brilliance will be remembered for ages. This crucial goal came in a UEFA Champions League semi-final Classico. This was Messi’s greatest Classico goal by far.
In the 87′ minutes of the game, Messi showcased a moment of pure magic, Messi picked up the ball near the halfway line from Sergio Busquets and made a dazzling solo run, Messi went weaving past four Real Madrid defenders, with his signature close control and fiery pace, he calmly placed the ball past Casillas to make it 2-0. It was a goal that showcased Messi’s genius and epitomized his ability to rise in the biggest moments.
With this goal came Ray Hudson’s iconic commentary: “Here he is again. That’s astonishing. It’s world-class. One, two, three defenders… wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! How good is he?! He is just brilliant! That is beyond description… The best player in the world, bar none.”
90th-Minute Goal vs Atlético Madrid (2009)
In a must-win game during a tight title race, Messi scored in the dying minutes to secure all three points. This was a typical Messi goal which included his quick feet, composure, and a finish under pressure. This goal kept Barcelona’s title momentum alive under Pep Guardiola’s historic treble winning season.
Copa del Rey Final Goal vs Athletic Bilbao (2015)
This goal was like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. This goal defied physics. This goal came in the Copa del Rey final, a chance to complete the domestic double.
In the final, Messi picked up the ball near the halfway line, dribbled past four defenders on the right flank, and beat the goalkeeper from an impossible angle. This was another crucial goal that gave Barcelona the momentum to go on and win the domestic treble.
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