About this goal
Messi closes in on Manuel Almunia and, as the goalkeeper throws himself at his feet, chips the ball up for himself and slots into the net.
Ratings
Aesthetically Pleasing 30/30
There's something absolutely spectacular about watching a goalkeeper be beaten in such a tight space with such a piece of genius.
Technical Difficulty 27/30
To flick up in that space is impossible for mere mortals, but not for Messi.
Uniqueness 20/20
You've never seen a goal like this before.
Importance 9/10
Sent Barcelona on the way to qualification v Arsenal.
Standard of Opposition 9/10
Arsenal
FootballCritic Verdict
The type of goal that defines a genius.
Goal video
Goal scorer
Lionel Messi
Forward (Centre),Attacking Midfielder (Centre),Forward (Right)
More Great Goals of Lionel Messi
| Rank | Name | Date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Lionel Messi | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
Messi collects the ball from Busquets' toe and proceeds to slalom his way through four Real Madrid defenders before flicking his finish into the far corner with his right foot.
Goal type:
Individual |
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| 2 |
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Lionel Messi | May 30, 2015 | ||
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Messi leaves five Athletic Bilbao defenders in his wake as he dribbles up the touchline, inside the box and then curls his low shot under the jumping Luis Suarez and into the corner of the net.
Goal type:
Individual |
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| 3 |
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Lionel Messi | Apr 23, 2017 | ||
|
Sergi Roberto covers fully 70 yards running out from full-back, before one-touch moves from Andre Gomes, Jordi Alba and then, clinically, Messi, who drives into the corner for the most sensational of Clasico goals.
Goal type:
Team |
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| 4 |
![]() |
Lionel Messi | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
Messi closes in on Manuel Almunia and, as the goalkeeper throws himself at his feet, chips the ball up for himself and slots into the net.
Goal type:
Special |
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| 5 |
![]() |
Lionel Messi | May 6, 2015 | ||
|
Messi runs directly at Jerome Boateng and his pace of movement sends the German onto his backside before the Argentine nonchalantly dinks his shot over the despairing Manuel Neuer.
Goal type:
Individual |
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| 6 |
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Lionel Messi | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
One of Messi's all-time greats, he collects the ball on the halfway line on the touchline, before running through the entire Getafe backline, rounding the keeper, and squeezing home from a tight angle.
Goal type:
Individual |
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| 7 |
![]() |
Lionel Messi | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
The most outrageous of free kicks, Thibaut Courtois is still organising his wall and Messi just loops the ball perfectly over his head. Like Ronaldinho, only Messi meant it.
Goal type:
Free-Kick |
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