Lionel Andrés Messi played 837 matches for FC Barcelona, scoring 709 goals. However, some goals were more iconic than others. Goals that elevated his status as the greatest of all time and contributed to making him the legend that he is.
The infamous “Ankara Messi” of 2007
It was a Copa del Rey semifinal vs Getafe for Barcelona and the Camp Nou, and none of the people in the stadium knew what they were about to witness. On 18 April 2007, a 19-year-old shocked the world with a Maradona-esque goal. La Pulga received the ball in his own half from Xavi Hernández and then went on a run towards the goal. He first went past Paredes and through the legs of Nacho, he then dribbled past Nacho again. The teenager then dribbled past Alexis and Belenguer to reach the opposition’s box where he dribbled the keeper to score.
The 2009 UCL final header
Messi was never the best in his heading ability throughout his career, mainly due to his short height. However, in the Champions League final of 2009, the world witnessed one of the finest headers and the most important one of the season. Barcelona were up 1–0 thanks to the efforts of Samuel Eto, assisted by Andrés Iniesta. In the 70th minute, Eto attempted to provide after scoring. The ball was cleared, but only as far as Xavi on the right flank. The Spanish maestro saw Messi lurking in the box and decided to wager a cross into the box. Messi met it beautifully with a header as the ball went past Van der Sar and into the net. That goal sealed the victory and the Champions League title for the Blaugrana. Messi has named this goal as his favourite out of his illustrious career.
Away from 2 3 4 wonderful
Arguably, the most beautiful goal that Messi has scored in an El Clásico came in the Champions League semifinal in 2011. Mourinho’s Real Madrid had managed to keep Messi and Barcelona at bay most of the game. However, when Pepe was sent off, Madrid’s defensive tactics crumbled. Messi scored the first goal from close range, going through the legs of Casillas. For the second goal, Messi dribbled past the entire Madrid defense to put Barcelona 2-0 up at the Bernabéu. Barcelona went on to draw the 2nd leg 1-1 to reach the final, where they would beat Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United once again to lift the Champions League trophy.
The wondrous free-kick vs Liverpool
The latest goal on this list is Messi’s free-kick goal in the 2019 Champions League semifinal vs Liverpool. Barcelona won the first leg 3-0 thanks to a goal from Suarez and a brace by Messi. In the 82nd minute, Messi struck a free-kick from 30 yards out that ended up in the top corner of Alisson’s goal. The Camp Nou erupted in celebration and disbelief and this goal broke the internet. The goal also ended up being the 600th goal of his golden career. Barcelona tragically got knocked out in the 2nd leg but this goal was cemented as one of the greatest in history.
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