Lionel Messi recently shared which of his goals is his favorite, though he’s changed his mind over time.
Now 37, Messi plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he’s netted 33 goals in 37 matches for the team co-owned by David Beckham.
With these impressive stats, Messi’s career total has reached 849 goals. Yet, one particular goal holds a special place in his memory, even though recalling so many memorable goals is impressive on its own…Continue Reading
The Argentine has scored in crucial games for clubs like Barcelona, PSG, and Miami, and added 112 goals for Argentina, including two in the 2022 World Cup final against France.
Surprisingly, however, his World Cup goals weren’t his pick when asked about his career favorite.
In a 2023 interview with *France Football*, Messi finally shared his personal choice.
“I always say that the most special goals are the important ones,” he explained.
“To have scored a goal in the Champions League final or to have scored in the World Cup final is very special.
“A goal that I always remember and that I really like because of what it meant, is the goal I scored against Real Madrid when we beat them 0-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League semi-finals [in 2010].
“But, to tell you one, I would stick with that one.”
Messi’s solo goal against Madrid extended Barcelona’s lead, giving them an edge heading into the second leg.
After receiving a pass from Sergio Busquets just beyond the halfway line, the Argentine weaved his way past four Madrid players before placing a precise right-footed shot past Iker Casillas.
Interestingly, though, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had once identified a different goal as his favorite.
“The one from the Champions League final against Manchester [United], with a header,” he told Mundo Deportivo in 2018.
This was one of Messi’s early iconic moments, helping Barcelona claim their third European Cup/Champions League title in Rome.
The goal stood out from his usual style, with midfielder Xavi delivering a perfectly lofted pass to Messi, who then guided a header past United’s goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar.
