Inter Miami star Lionel Messi revealed what he considers the best goal of his career—and it came in a match against Cristiano Ronaldo while playing for Barcelona.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the sport, recently revealed what he considers the best goal of his legendary career. With a highlight reel filled with spectacular finishes, choosing just one seemed almost impossible. But Messi made his pick—and it took the soccer world by surprise choosing a goal in FC Barcelona against Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Argentine icon chose his headed goal against Manchester United in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final in Rome, when he was playing for FC Barcelona. It was the first time he had scored in a Champions League final, a competition he would go on to win four times. The moment not only helped secure the trophy but also marked a turning point in his career.
Messi announced his choice as part of a charitable campaign involving digital art. Turkish-American artist Refik Anadol is set to transform data from the iconic goal into a unique artwork. The piece will be auctioned by Christie’s in support of the “A Goal in Life” campaign, led by the Inter Miami CF Foundation.
Messi also explained the personal meaning behind the selection. “I’ve scored many beautiful goals, some even more significant, but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United has always been my favorite,” he said in a press release. “I already knew how special Refik’s work is. We met in Miami, and it will be exciting to see how he transforms a single goal—one moment in sports—into a unique piece of art.”
A defining moment for Messi—and Barcelona’s rise to power
Messi’s 70th-minute header stunned not just Manchester United’s defense, but the entire football world. It was a rare sight to see the 5’7″ forward score with his head, especially in such a high-stakes match. But beyond its technical surprise, the goal became a symbol of a generational shift in global soccer.
The strike sealed a 2–0 win for Barcelona over the reigning European champions and confirmed Messi’s ascent to the pinnacle of the sport. Already seen as a once-in-a-generation talent, Messi’s goal on that night in Rome—against a team led by Cristiano Ronaldo—was a definitive statement on the world stage.
For FC Barcelona, the goal represented the crowning achievement of Pep Guardiola’s debut season as manager. It capped off the club’s third Champions League title and completed a historic treble: LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League. It also solidified Barça’s tactical identity—possession soccer, high pressing, and technical mastery—at the highest level.
Barcelona’s 2008–09 treble: A new era begins
Barcelona finished the 2008–09 season as one of the most dominant teams in European soccer history. Under the guidance of a then-rookie head coach in Pep Guardiola, the Catalan giants swept every major competition they entered. Their unprecedented treble—LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League—ushered in a golden era for the club.
More than just winning, Barcelona captivated fans with a revolutionary playing style. Built around midfield maestros Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, the steel of Carles Puyol, and the genius of Messi, the team played with precision, elegance, and relentlessness. That season didn’t just win trophies—it redefined how soccer could be played, and Messi’s goal in Rome became the crown jewel of it all.
From: bolavip.com
