It’s no secret that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is one of the most dynamic and creative footballers to ever play the game. Messi’s accomplishments are nothing short of astounding, especially given that he’s only 27 years of age. The Argentine international has won a record four FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, three Golden Shoe accolades and a FIFA World Player of the Year honor.
Since Messi’s arrival at Barcelona, the team has won six La Liga titles, two Copa Del Rey trophies, six Supercopa de Espana titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two UEFA Super Club World Cups.
The Maestro was honored last weekend for breaking the all-time goal scoring record in La Liga with No. 252. The previous record, held by Telmo Zarra, stood for almost six decades. But for now, it’s all about Messi and the top five goal-scoring performances during his La Liga career. Let’s count ’em down.
No. 5 (2007): Messi tears through the entire Getafe defense
Messi received the ball in his own half and then dribbled by four defenders. He then encountered the goalkeeper and juked him, too. Messi then chipped the ball over another defender who desperately tried (and failed) to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Messi dedicated this particular goal to his countryman, Diego Maradona, a legend in his own right.
No. 4 (2009): Perfectly-timed header is a thing of beauty
Messi leaped like an acrobat to head in Barcelona’s second goal as they won the 2009 Champions League final 2-0 against Manchester United in Rome.
He had just enough height to nod Xavi’s cross back across goal and into the corner of the net. The precision strike showcased his athletic abilities—even without the ball at his feet. Messi himself has mentioned this goal as among one of his favorites.
No. 3 (2010): Four goals against Arsenal
Messi scored all four of Barca’s goals in a 4-1 win at Camp Nou. His third goal was especially spectacular, as he raced through the entire Arsenal defense and slipped the ball into the goal over a helpless Manuel Almunia.
No. 2 (2012): A well-placed free kick
The Maestro is also dangerous in set pieces, as this goal against Real Madrid in a Super Copa match clearly demonstrates. It showcases his unique ability to make his opponent pay on a free-kick opportunity, in addition to attacking during the traditional run of play.
No. 1 (2013): Messi shreds the entire Athletic Bilbao defense
Like a fine wine, Messi might just be getting better with age. He recently mesmerized the Athletic Bilbao defense and scored a memorable goal in a 2013 La Liga game. He dribbled past four players before slotting the ball into the corner of the net.
With so many great goals scored by such a prolific offensive weapon, we often forget that he still likely has many years of football ahead of him. We look forward to watching The Maestro—one of the greatest to ever play the game—in the coming years, as he tears through opposing defenses and turns the heads of soccer fans across the globe.
