Lionel Messi’s top 10 most memorable performances

These memories live rent-free in football fan’s heads.

Lionel Messi, often hailed as the greatest football player of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world’s most beloved sport. From winning multiple Ballon d’Or awards to lifting the World Cup with Argentina, Messi’s journey has been a rollercoaster of extraordinary achievements and unforgettable moments.

In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 most memorable performances that define the brilliance and magic of this diminutive maestro.

10. Dazzling Jerome Boateng in the Champions League Semifinals (May 6, 2015)

Messi’s greatness is not defined by his physical attributes but by his extraordinary skill and football intelligence. In the 2015 Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich, he left defender Jerome Boateng bewildered with a crossover move that would make basketball legend Allen Iverson proud.

This moment encapsulated Messi’s ability to make world-class defenders look foolish with his mesmerizing skills.

9. Messi’s First Hat-Trick in El Clásico (March 10, 2007):

A defining moment in Messi’s early career came in 2007 when, at just 19 years old, he scored a hat trick against arch-rivals Real Madrid in El Clásico. In a dramatic game where Barcelona trailed three times, Messi answered each time, including a 91st-minute equalizer.

This performance was a coming-out party for the young Argentine, showcasing his flair for the dramatic on the biggest stage.

8. Messi’s First UCL Final Goal (May 27, 2009):

After missing the 2006 Champions League Final due to injury, Lionel Messi made his mark on club football’s biggest stage three years later. In the 2009 final against Manchester United, Messi rose high for a rare header, scoring Barcelona’s second goal in a 2-0 victory. This triumph also marked the beginning of Messi’s Ballon d’Or-winning seasons, cementing his status as a football legend.

7. The Maradona Goal vs. Getafe (April 8, 2007):

Among Messi’s numerous breathtaking goals, one against Getafe in the Copa del Rey stands out. Mirroring Diego Maradona’s famous “Goal of the Century” in 1986, Messi embarked on a solo run from his own half, dribbling past defenders with close control, before rounding the goalkeeper and scoring from a tight angle. This goal not only demonstrated Lionel Messi’s technical brilliance but also paid homage to his Argentine predecessor.

6. Messi’s Five-Goal Spectacle in the Champions League (March 7, 2012):

Scoring a hat trick in a Champions League match is impressive, but Messi took it a step further against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012 by scoring an unprecedented five goals.

The variety in his goals, including scrumptious chips, an angled dart into the far corner, and a curled blast from outside the box, showcased Messi’s unparalleled skill and ability to dominate on the grandest stage.

5. Argentina Wins the Copa America (July 10, 2021):

Despite years of individual success in Europe, Messi faced criticism for not replicating the same with the Argentine national team. In 2021, he finally delivered, helping Argentina secure the Copa America.

This triumph was not just a personal achievement but a historic moment for Messi and his country, proving that he could indeed lead his nation to major international success.

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4. Messi Wins Record Sixth Ballon d’Or (December 2, 2019):

The perpetual Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate was a focal point in soccer circles for 15 years. Messi settled the argument, at least temporarily, by winning his record sixth Ballon d’Or in 2019.

With seven Ballon d’Ors to his name now, Messi’s individual brilliance continues to shine, establishing him as the standard for football excellence.

3. Messi’s Iconic Shirt Celebration in El Clasico (April 23, 2017):

While Messi has numerous accomplishments, the goal, performance, and celebration in El Clasico against Real Madrid in 2017 stand out as an iconic moment. Tied 2-2 in one of the best Clásicos ever, Messi netted the game-winner in the 92nd minute, marking his 500th career goal for Barcelona.

The celebratory act of removing his jersey and holding it up became an unforgettable troll job, etching this moment in football history.

2. Breaking Gerd Müller’s Single-Season Goal Record (2012):

The year 2012 witnessed Lionel Messi at his absolute peak. In an astonishing display of skill and goal-scoring prowess, he amassed a jaw-dropping 91 goals in 69 games for both Barcelona and Argentina. This incredible feat shattered Gerd Müller’s once-unbreakable record of 85 goals in a calendar year (set in 1972) and solidified Messi’s status as a goal-scoring phenomenon.

1. Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph in Qatar (December 18, 2022):

December 18, 2022, marked the day Messi silenced his remaining critics by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. A virtuoso performance at the age of 35, Messi scored two goals and calmly converted a crucial penalty kick in the final against France.

This monumental achievement not only ended Argentina’s 36-year-long World Cup drought but also catapulted Messi from a superstar to a deity in his homeland.

Lionel Messi’s career has been a tapestry of unforgettable moments, each contributing to his legacy as one of the greatest football players in history. From historic goals to record-breaking achievements, Messi’s performances have transcended the sport, leaving an indelible mark that will be remembered for generations to come. As football enthusiasts, we have been privileged to witness the magic of Messi, a player whose impact on the beautiful game is beyond measure.

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