There are some people for whom the mere mention of a certain player’s name brings back memories of a memorable performance. Or, more simply, a memorable goal. But that doesn’t just apply to us anonymous observers of the beautiful game.
Football players have their favourite moments too. And even the greatest of them. Take Lionel Messi, for example. Throughout his career, the man considered by many to be the greatest football player of all time has scored a staggering number of goals, putting paid to the best defences and the biggest clubs in history.
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And yet — quite logically — some of his goals will remain etched in his memory more than others. This is particularly true of one of them. And, spoiler: it was a British team that was the victim.
Lionel Messi Revealed What His Favourite Goal is
It took place in a Champions League final
In an interview with RAC1 in 2019, Messi revealed that the goal he scored the most was none other than the one he scored in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United:
“I said it many times, the one in Rome in the final against Manchester United.”
It was a moment suspended in time, as the diminutive Argentinian soared through the skies of Rome to propel a ball fed by Xavi past Edwin van der Sar and into the far corner of the net. It was a goal about which he gave more details to TyC Sports (via AS):
“My favourite goals are more than just attractive; they are important. It was in the Champions League final and helped us to close the circle with Guardiola and win the treble, which we had never done. That goal rounded up a spectacular game.”
Samuel Eto’o’s early opener after just 10 minutes had set Barcelona on the right track, and they relied on their young genius to seal the fate of a match that would see them crowned champions for the third time.
Messi, only 22 at the time, took advantage of the victory to lift the second Cup with the big ears of his career, which would be followed a few weeks later by the first of his eight Ballon d’Or awards.
What’s Messi’s Record in the Champions League?
The Argentinian ranks among the greatest
Over the course of his long career, Messi has played in every competition he has ever played in – and won the majority of them. In fact, he is the most decorated player in football history.
|
Lionel Messi’s Record in Champions League |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
163 |
|
Goals |
129 |
|
Assists |
45 |
|
Clubs |
Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain |
|
Between |
2004-2023 |
|
Titles |
2006, 2009, 2011, 2015 |
That obviously includes the Champions League, where ‘La Pulga’ is the second-highest goalscorer of all time. 129 goals, to be precise, most of which the Argentinian has scored for Catalonia. Or, to put it another way, the goals of his life. It was also with Barcelona that he won the four trophies that are now part of his trophy cabinet, and made 149 appearances in the world’s top club competition.
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All statistics via Transfermarkt – correct as of 14-03-2025
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