Barcelona’s forward Lionel Messi poses with his four FIFA Ballon d’Or trophies prior to the Spanish Copa del Rey quarter-final football match between FC Barcelona and Malaga CF at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on January 16, 2013. (LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)
A review of Lionel Messi’s ten best goals throughout his career.
Magical. Incredible. Sublime. Surreal. Magisterial. These are just some of the adjectives and phrases that have been used to describe the play of Barcelona star Lionel Messi. With a control of the ball that appears to be an extension of his left foot and skill that leaves fans in complete awe more times than not, the Argentine wizard is mentioned by many during conversations regarding the greatest players in history.
A part of some of the greatest Barcelona squads, Messi has achieved a spectacular level of success across various levels of the game. For his home nation, he is La Albiceleste’s leading goalscorer and has led the squad to three consecutive finals in major tournaments.
For the Blaugrana, he has cemented a historic legacy amidst a legendary stretch of trophies and jaw-dropping abilities on the pitch. Like for Argentina, Messi is also Barcelona’s all-time leader in goals.
Supporters in Catalonia and South America have literally seen hundreds of goals from La Pulga Atomica, and the most astonishing and wonderful part is that the magnificent performances just keep on coming with each passing week.
In what can truly be an impossible task, we highlight and review Lionel Messi’s ten best goals for club and country.
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<p>Messi slices through the central defence with ease, and still has enough to keep racing past Marcelo as the Brazilian tries his best to close down the space.</p>
<p>Even with a tough angle, Barcelona’s superstar is able to leave Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas in a state of confusion.</p>
<p>The early years of this decade featured dramatic characters and intense matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho leading the charge.</p>
<p>But it was Lionel Messi’s world-class skill that helped launch the Cules to another Champions League crown in 2011.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/03/14/lionel-messi-time-top-ten-goals/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number nine </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 1: FC Barcelona players celebrate Leo Messi’s goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Albacete on May 1, 2005 at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Luis Bagu/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Albacete – May 2005</strong></h3>
<p>We go back to where it all began. We have seen non-stop magic year after year, and it all started for Lionel Messi with a wonderful strike over a decade ago.</p>
<p>It was a different era at Barcelona during the 2004-05 season. Manager Frank Rijkaard utilised Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o in the attack, with young midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta forming an excellent partnership.</p>
<p>In early May of that season, Catalonia received a glimpse of what was to become a regular occurrence when a young Lionel Messi was subbed on against Albacete.</p>
<p>Ronaldinho works his way toward goal and lobs a wonderful pass to Messi. He expertly takes control of the pass with a first touch on his lethal left foot, glances quickly and chips the goalkeeper to open his account for Barcelona.</p>
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<p>The sequence is also noteworthy for showcasing the immense talent of his control and quality at the beginning of his time with the first team. With such promise coming through the Blaugrana’s famed academy, it is certainly incredible that he has gone above and beyond even the wildest of expectations.</p>
<p>Even with his very first tally, Barcelona knew they had something special with Lionel Messi.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) scores a goal after shooting a free-kick during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on February 14, 2016. (JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Celta Vigo – February 2016</strong></h3>
<p>Lionel Messi’s free-kicks deserve a list all to their own, as his ability to place the ball exactly where he wants it is absolutely mesmerizing. One particular stunner came about last season in a 6-1 thrashing of Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou.</p>
<p>From about 35 yards out, the opposition sets up well for the situation. A powerful and curling effort will be needed to clear the wall and beat the goalkeeper. But Messi is more than up to the task</p>
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<p>With only a few steps before contact, the Atomic Flea unleashes a sensational shot that simply could not be stopped. The ball is hit perfectly, and dips into the top corner at just the right moment.</p>
<p>Messi has had the pleasure of playing alongside some of the best when it comes to free-kicks. Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry, for example, are often considered some of the all-time best in this regard.</p>
<p>The constant comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo often give the advantage on free-kicks to CR7. But as Messi has evolved, he has shown that his attributes on set-pieces can leave the opposition running in circles just as often as his El Clasico rival.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 30: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Mikel Balenziaga of Athletic Club during the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on May 30, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Athletic Bilbao – May 2015</strong></h3>
<p>Lionel Messi’s pace and skill on the ball are often a combination that can be a nightmare to defend. That nightmare became a harsh reality for Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final two years ago.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>In the 20th minute, Messi takes over the match and manages to crush the opposition’s spirit in one brilliant sequence of events.</p>
<p>Barcelona work their way toward midfield, with Messi gaining possession just past the halfway line. With three Bilbao defenders draped all over him, a flurry of pace and surreal dribbling skills see Messi streak up the right side of the pitch and turn inside with an eye for the back of the net.</p>
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<p>Once inside the penalty area, it appears as though he will look to utilise the angle he has created to make the goal happen. Instead, he beats the keeper near-side with a blistering effort that sends the crowd into mass hysteria.</p>
<p>Frustration can come about often in football, as even some the best plans and tactics do not work out successfully. For Athletic Bilbao that day and many other Spanish clubs throughout the years, Lionel Messi is a source of ultimate frustration on the pitch.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 21: Lionel Messi of Argentina during the Copa America Centenario semi-final match between the United States and Argentina at NRG Stadium on June 21, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Argentina won the match 4-0. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>United States – June 2016</strong></h3>
<p>The all-time leader in goals for Argentina as well as his club side, Lionel Messi has scored a multitude of quality strikes for his national team. This past summer at the Copa America Centenario, the Rosario native led his team to the final with an effort that was special in several different ways.</p>
<p>Quite a bit of pressure was on Argentina to reach the tournament’s climax and do so in emphatic fashion. A dominant group stage showing was followed by a strong quarter-final victory over Venezuela, meeting the United States in the semi-final round.</p>
<p>After an opening loss to Colombia, manager Jurgen Klinsmann’s side played well to make a run in the competition. With Argentina holding a 1-0 advantage in the first half, Messi scored a goal that was both historic and sank the dreams of Copa America’s hosts.</p>
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<p>With a difficult angle, a well-organised wall in front of him and a talented goalkeeper in a good position, Messi sent a scorching blast into the top corner that left the US staggered. Brad Guzan set himself up well and has a great reach, but he had no chance on such a piece of skill.</p>
<p>While he has often had a unique and sometimes difficult relationship with his home nation, Lionel Messi’s 57 goals for Argentina are a testament to his incredible work ethic and determination.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/03/14/lionel-messi-time-top-ten-goals/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number five </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with coach Josep Guardiola after scoring against Manchester United during the final of the UEFA Champions League on May 27, 2009 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2-0. (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Manchester United – May 2009</strong></h3>
<p>The various ways in which Lionel Messi can score on the pitch appears limitless at times, and he can find himself in dangerous positions almost anywhere on the pitch. In the first of two UEFA Champions League finals in a span of three seasons, Manchester United were undone by the Argentine forward in a unique way.</p>
<p>Messi is not the tallest of attackers, but his header to seal victory in Rome was an excellent piece of athletic skill.</p>
<p>Up 1-0 late in the second half, Messi finds space in the penalty area and loops a fantastic header into the back of the net. Barcelona would win the match 2-0.</p>
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<p>Opposing sides know what Messi can bring to an encounter in terms of his pace and ability to get by defenders all on his own. He is the one of the best players of this or any generation, and certainly becomes a key priority for every defence he faces.</p>
<p>But Lionel Messi can produce results in almost any way, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United learned that evening at the Stadio Olimpico.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) scores against Sevilla’s goalkeeper Andres Palop (R) during the Spanish league football match between Sevilla and FC Barcelona on March 17, 2012 at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Sevilla. (CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Sevilla FC – March 2012</strong></h3>
<p>Frustration is one thing in football. Total embarrassment is another story altogether, and that is what Lionel Messi’s talent often brings to an opposing club. Sevilla found themselves on the wrong side of this equation during the 2011-12 La Liga season.</p>
<p>Barcelona’s visit to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan secured three points in a 2-0 victory, with Messi scoring the second goal that buried Los Nervionenses in the first half.</p>
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<p>An exquisite passing combinations springs Messi towards goal, with Sevilla’s back-line approaching from each side. But he shifts to his left, puts the ball between the defender’s legs and chips the goalkeeper with a sublime effort.</p>
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<p>Even only in the 24th minute of a match, Messi managed to mentally eliminate the competition. Suddenly, confidence and positioning are lost for both the defence and the keeper. They are constantly concerned about their own moves, and a comeback is completely out of the question at that point.</p>
<p>Goalkeepers and defenders must be extremely careful and precise when facing Barcelona, as Lionel Messi can make a mistake pay very quickly. With Luis Suarez and Neymar by his side now, the MSN front-line is a frightening proposition for any team.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/03/14/lionel-messi-time-top-ten-goals/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number three </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates after scoring next to Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the ‘El Clasico’ Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, on April 10, 2010. (Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Real Madrid CF – April 2010</strong></h3>
<p>As one of the biggest football clubs on the planet, Barcelona’s matches across all competitions feel like massive occasions. But when it comes to El Clasico, the stakes are even higher. But even on an intense stage, Lionel Messi manages to shine against the best of the best.</p>
<p>Real Madrid were focused on stopping Messi in Barcelona’s visit to the Bernabeu, but he opened the scoring in the first half en route to a 2-0 victory.</p>
<p>Los Blancos utlised a physical approach, and had put the pressure on Messi early. But the Flea struck back in the 33rd minute to silence the home supporters. Timing his run towards goal exceptionally, he takes the pass off his chest and turns a defender as he moves to his right.</p>
<p>Despite the defence’s best efforts, Messi gives the Blaugrana an early lead by slotting home past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.</p>
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<p>That season saw Barcelona and manager Pep Guardiola amass an astounding 99 points and capture a league title. The Cules lost only one match in 38, falling 2-1 at the Estadio Vicente Calderon against Atletico Madrid.</p>
<p>A truly special collection of talent, Lionel Messi’s fighting spirit against Real Madrid was an excellent summary of what drove the club toward success.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 08: Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (L) of Arsenal fails to stop Lionel Messi of Barcelona from scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between Barcelona and Arsenal on March 8, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Arsenal – March 2011</strong></h3>
<p>Concentration in vital moments is a key element to success in football. Teams that lose focus can often find themselves on the losing end of a match. Lionel Messi made Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger pay for this type of mistake in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 during the 2010-11 campaign.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>The Gunners had played well in the first leg at the Emirates, bringing a 2-1 aggregate lead with them to Catalonia. A solid first 45 minutes saw half-time approaching with Arsenal in a great position to advance to the quarter-final round.</p>
<p>But stoppage-time brought a lapse in effort and the start of a downward spiral for the visitors.</p>
<p>After failing to clear the ball out of a dangerous area, Messi ran in behind the back-line, juggled the ball past the goalkeeper and fired a home a blast to ignite both his Barcelona team-mates and the Camp Nou supporters.</p>
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<p>The Blaugrana would score two more in the second half to triumph 4-3 on aggregate, eventually going on to lift the Champions League trophy weeks later.</p>
<p>Victory over Barcelona requires constant effort and focus, with Lionel Messi’s unbelievable and world-class quality able to turn around their fortunes in a matter of seconds.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/03/14/lionel-messi-time-top-ten-goals/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number one </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Lionel Messi of Barcelona runs through Getafe players to score during the match between FC Barcelona and Getafe on April 18, 2007, played at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Getty Images).</p>
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<h3><strong>Getafe – April 2007</strong></h3>
<p>Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi will forever be linked in terms of Argentinian football, each representing a generation during their incredible successes for club and country. They are also quite different as people and players, with many in the country divisive when comparing the two.</p>
<p>But one incredible sequence from Messi in 2007 against Getafe echoed one of the finest moments in the game’s history, as viewers watched what seemed like a remake of Maradona’s famous run against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup.</p>
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<p>Messi takes the ball in his own half, and will not be denied an unforgettable moment. Cutting through an endless number of defenders and bursting with unstoppable pace, Messi gets around the goalkeeper and lifts a shot over one final desperate slide.</p>
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<p>The crowd can barely contain their raucous celebration, while manager Frank Rijkaard displays a sheepish grin. If it was not already known before, Barcelona knew that they had a new hero.</p>
<p>While he has not delivered a World Cup title like Maradona, Messi’s play is at a level that most could only dream of.</p>
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