Lionel Messi is the gift that keeps on giving. Over the years, Messi has gifted fans countless unforgettable moments on the field, each more magical than the last.
What makes Messi’s legacy truly enduring is the sheer artistry he brings to the game. Like unwrapping 12 perfect presents, we’ll relive his most iconic moments—from awe-inspiring goals to mesmerizing assists and dribbles—that reflect his genius and passion for football. Let’s enjoy Messi’s magic while we still can.
1. First Goal for Barcelona
In 2005, 17-year-old Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch for Barcelona and etched his name into football history with his first goal for the club. The match against Albacete was winding down when Ronaldinho, already a superstar, spotted the young Argentine’s run.
The goal itself was a snapshot of Messi’s brilliance—a deft touch, a composed chip, and the ball sailing effortlessly into the net. Camp Nou erupted, not just in celebration of the goal but in recognition of something special. In that brief moment, fans caught a glimpse of the genius that would go on to fascinate the football world.
2. Epic 2007 solo goal against Getafe
In 2007, during a Copa del Rey semifinal against Getafe, 19-year-old Lionel Messi delivered a goal that stunned the world. Picking up the ball deep in his own half, he set off on a solo run that would become legendary.
One by one, five Getafe defenders lunged and failed to stop him. Messi’s speed, balance, and control made it look effortless. As he approached the goal, he rounded the keeper with calm precision and slotted the ball into the net. The goal drew instant flashes of Diego Maradona’s iconic 1986 World Cup run.
3. Messi’s iconic shirt celebration at the Bernabéu
April 23, 2017. The Santiago Bernabéu buzzed with anticipation. It was El Clásico, the fiercest football rivalry, and Real Madrid and Barcelona were locked in a 2-2 battle deep into stoppage time. The tension was palpable.
Then Lionel Messi, as he so often does, changed everything. He picked up a pass from Jordi Alba at the edge of the box and struck it past Keylor Navas, nestling into the net. Barcelona had their winner.
The stadium of 80,000 fell silent, but Messi wasn’t done. He peeled off his shirt, turned to the stunned Madrid crowd, and held it high. His name and number—Messi 10—faced the fans. Aura.
4. 91 goals in 2012
Lionel Messi broke Gerd Müller’s record twelve years ago by scoring EIGHTY-SIX goal goals in the calendar year. The GOAT went on to score 91 goals in total in 2012. Even if you remove the 13 penalties Messi scored during the calendar year, he would still surpass Ronaldo’s best year (69 goals) with penalties. Messi’s 2012 was unparalleled and remarkable, and we could go on. Ninety-one goals is a football record that may never be broken for some time.
5. Legendary free-kick vs. Liverpool
It was Liverpool’s year in the Champions League, but Messi delivered one of those iconic jaw-dropping moments in the semifinals. Except, this time, it came from a free-kick. Camp Nou was buzzing as Messi lined up about 30 yards out and sent the ball soaring over the wall of defenders. The ball curved with precision, finding the top corner of the net. Messi’s 600th Barca goal was a one-of-a-kind pinpoint kick that left Klopp in awe.
6. The Boateng humiliation
During a 2014/2015 Champions League semi-final match against Bayern Munich — Pep’s Bayern, no less — Messi scored a brace and provided one assist. But it was his second goal that goes down in the history books. After receiving a forward pass from Ivan Rakitic, Messi’ ‘s sudden dribble feint and change of direction left Bayern’s world-class defender Jerome Boateng on the ground. Literally. Then Messi delicately chipped the ball over all-time goalkeeping great Manuel Neuer.
Consequently, Boateng’s drop has become one of the most viral memes in football history.
7. Winning the 2021 Copa America
Until the 2021 Copa America, Messi had only one gold medal for his beloved Argentina side. For some reason, the big silverware on the international stage always eluded him. After carrying the team to the final, he finished runners-up in the 2014 World Cup. It was a heartbreaking loss. However, during the 2021 Copa America, he finally got the help he needed on top of the captain, who provided some incredible leadership.
Messi led the tournament in scoring and assists with four and five, respectively. The Golden Ball and Boot winner also won the Ballon d’Or that year, his record-setting seventh. The monkey was off his back.
8. A rare header
They said Messi was too diminutive to score headers. So what’d he do? Score a header in the 2009 Champions League finals. Xavi pinpointed him on his run, and van der Saar probably thought the magician would bend it far post — nope.
“When I tried to hit him in the chest with my arm, he just went underneath me and I thought, ‘this guy is a magician’,” said Rio Ferdinand. “He’s the best player I’ve ever played against. If we played against a Barça team without Messi, we probably would have won.” Messi’s Barcelona would again reign supreme over United in the 2011 Champions League rematch. So yes, Ferdinand, ‘probably.’
9. An El Clásico solo masterpiece in the Champions League
Insert drool emoji. This Messi goal against Real Madrid in the 2011 Champions League semi-finals was class. After playing a short pass to Busquets, who merely tees it up for Messi, the number 10 runs past four world-class defenders to put in the bottom corner.
10. Messi as Mozart
The best-ever Copa del Rey finals goals? Quite simply, yes. Messi’s wonder goal in the 2015 Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao had everything: pace, dribbling, and exquisite finish.
The goal was certainly one of his best in the Blaugrana shirt.
11. 2022 World Cup elite playmaker
The 2021 Copa America trophy was just the appetizer. A year later, 35-year-old Messi spearheaded Argentina’s triumphant World Cup run with seven goals and three assists. He dictated the mood and flow of every match, especially after the opening loss to Saudi Arabia. It was a savage Messi, ruthlessly taunting the Dutch coach and delivering epic assists like this against Croatia’s best defender.
12. Lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy
Forget all the individual accolades, the Golden Boots, Ballon d’Ors, etc.; the World Cup trophy is the only one Messi wanted. And he delivered, carrying an Argentine team on his back and lifting an entire nation like Maradona did in 1986.
The iconic image of Messi in Lusail Stadium, lifted by his teammates and trophy in hand, was the pinnacle of a storybook career.
