About this goal
Messi, on the right touchline, utilises wondrous chest control to evade the first defender before side-stepping in between two more as they converge on him, before using his right foot to smash his shot into the roof of the net.
Ratings
Aesthetically Pleasing 28/30
The pass from Xavi isn't a good one, but Messi's control makes it special, leaving the defender six yards behind him, before the satisfaction of an old-fashioned hard shot with his weaker foot.
Technical Difficulty 30/30
The xG from where Messi collects the ball is virtually zero, yet six seconds later it's in the net. Incredible.
Uniqueness 18/20
The unbelievable chest control certainly sets this one apart in his individual goal collection.
Importance 6/10
Just another goal in a rout of Malaga.
Standard of Opposition 7/10
Malaga
FootballCritic Verdict
A virtually impossible goal from where he collects, but there's not an ounce of luck involved to get the ball into the net.
Goal video
Goal scorer
Lionel Messi
Forward (Centre),Attacking Midfielder (Centre),Forward (Right)
More Great Goals of Lionel Messi
| Rank | Name | Date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|||||
| 5 |
![]() |
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 |
|||||
| 6 |
![]() |
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 |
|||||
| 7 |
![]() |
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 |
|||||
| 8 |
![]() |
Lionel Messi | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
Messi, on the right touchline, utilises wondrous chest control to evade the first defender before side-stepping in between two more as they converge on him, before using his right foot to smash his shot into the roof of the net.
Goal type:
Individual |
|||||
| 9 |
![]() |
Lionel Messi | Mar 17, 2019 | ||
|
Messi plays a one-two with Ivan Rakitic and when the ball returns he flips up a quite brilliant lob in off the crossbar, with the goalkeeper having simply no chance.
Goal type:
Special |
|||||
| 10 |
![]() |
Lionel Messi | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
Messi, to Alves, to Messi, to Alves, to Messi, to Alves, to Messi, who then slots past the goalkeeper. Three one-twos.
Goal type:
Team |
|||||
| 11 |
![]() |
Lionel Messi | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
Messi shows superb strength on the halfway line to hold off the defender and skip past the next challenge. He then turns the final defender inside and out before lashing into the far corner.
Goal type:
Individual |
|||||

