Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, a magician with the ball who has mesmerized fans and opponents alike with his exceptional skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability. Over his illustrious career, Messi has scored over 700 goals for both club and country, each of them a testament to his genius. However, among these countless goals, some stand out not just for their beauty, but for the impact they had on the game, the team, and the fans. In this article, we delve into Lionel Messi’s top five goals, a collection that showcases his unique talent and his status as a footballing legend.
1. Solo Goal Against Getafe (2007)
On April 18, 2007, a young Lionel Messi produced a moment of brilliance that would go down in history as one of the greatest goals ever scored. Playing for FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinal against Getafe, Messi picked up the ball just inside his own half, close to the right touchline. What followed was a display of dribbling mastery that echoed Diego Maradona’s famous “Goal of the Century” against England in the 1986 World Cup.
Messi took on six Getafe defenders in a slaloming run, evading tackles with his low center of gravity and exceptional close control. He darted past each defender as if they were mere obstacles in a training drill, before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the net from a tight angle. The goal was an almost carbon copy of Maradona’s, with Messi covering 60 meters in just 12 seconds. The Camp Nou erupted in celebration, and the goal immediately drew comparisons with Maradona’s, earning Messi the nickname “Messidona.” It was a goal that announced Messi’s arrival on the global stage and cemented his place as a future great.
2. Clásico Glory: The 2011 Champions League Semi-Final Goal
Few things in football are as fiercely contested as El Clásico, the iconic clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid. On April 27, 2011, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Santiago Bernabéu, Messi once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the best.
With the game finely balanced at 0-0, Messi stepped up to break the deadlock. His first goal was a typical poacher’s finish, but it was his second goal of the night that left the football world in awe. Picking up the ball near the halfway line, Messi evaded three Madrid defenders with a combination of speed, agility, and balance. He then dribbled past another defender inside the penalty area before calmly slotting the ball past Iker Casillas.
The goal not only showcased Messi’s dribbling prowess but also his composure under pressure, his ability to score in the biggest moments, and his knack for delivering when it mattered most. The 2-0 victory put Barcelona in a commanding position, and they went on to win the tie 3-1 on aggregate, eventually lifting the Champions League trophy. Messi’s goal remains one of the most memorable moments in El Clásico history, and it is still celebrated by Barcelona fans as a symbol of his brilliance.
3. The 2015 Copa del Rey Final Goal Against Athletic Bilbao
The 2015 Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao was another occasion where Messi demonstrated his extraordinary talent. On May 30, 2015, in front of a packed Camp Nou, Messi scored a goal that left fans and pundits alike speechless.
Receiving the ball near the right touchline, just inside his own half, Messi embarked on a solo run that would end with the ball in the back of the net. He first beat two defenders with a deft touch and a burst of acceleration. Then, as he approached the penalty area, he evaded another defender with a quick change of direction, before skipping past a fourth with a subtle body feint. Finally, Messi unleashed a powerful left-footed shot past the goalkeeper to score one of the most stunning goals of his career.
This goal was not only a showcase of Messi’s incredible dribbling and finishing ability but also his intelligence and vision. He recognized the opportunity to exploit the space and took full advantage of it. Barcelona went on to win the match 3-1, with Messi’s goal being the highlight of the final. It was a goal that perfectly encapsulated Messi’s ability to turn a moment of individual brilliance into a decisive factor in a team’s success.
4. The Free-Kick Masterpiece Against Liverpool (2019)
Lionel Messi’s reputation as a free-kick specialist was further solidified on May 1, 2019, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Liverpool. In a high-stakes match at the Camp Nou, Messi delivered one of the most exquisite free-kick goals of his career.
Barcelona were leading 2-0 when they were awarded a free-kick approximately 30 yards from the Liverpool goal. The angle seemed difficult, and the distance far, but for Messi, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase his set-piece prowess. He struck the ball with precision and power, curling it over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker with no chance. The goal gave Barcelona a 3-0 lead and sent the Camp Nou into raptures.
This free-kick was not just about technique; it was about Messi’s ability to deliver in crucial moments. Although Barcelona would eventually be eliminated after a dramatic second-leg comeback by Liverpool, this goal remains one of the standout moments of the 2018-2019 Champions League season. It was a reminder that Messi could produce magic even against the toughest opponents and in the most pressured situations.
5. Messi’s 500th Goal: The Last-Minute Winner Against Real Madrid (2017)
One of the most iconic moments in Messi’s career came on April 23, 2017, during an El Clásico clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. Barcelona and Real Madrid were locked in a fierce battle for the La Liga title, and this match was seen as a potential decider. Messi, as always, rose to the occasion.
With the score tied at 2-2 deep into stoppage time, Barcelona launched a final attack. Sergi Roberto made a lung-bursting run from his own half, eventually laying the ball off to Jordi Alba, who cut it back to Messi at the edge of the box. With calmness and precision, Messi placed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, past Keylor Navas, to secure a 3-2 victory for Barcelona.
This goal was Messi’s 500th for Barcelona, and he celebrated by holding up his shirt to the hostile Bernabéu crowd—a gesture that has since become iconic. It was a goal that not only demonstrated Messi’s clinical finishing but also his ability to deliver in the most crucial moments. The victory kept Barcelona’s title hopes alive and further cemented Messi’s legacy as the king of El Clásico.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s career has been a constant stream of breathtaking moments, and these five goals are just a small sample of his genius. Each of these goals is a testament to his extraordinary talent, his ability to rise to the occasion, and his unparalleled vision and creativity on the pitch. Whether it’s a solo run, a last-minute winner, or a perfectly executed free-kick, Messi has consistently delivered moments of brilliance that will be remembered for generations to come. As we look back on these incredible goals, we are reminded of why Lionel Messi is not just a footballer, but a legend of the game.