- Lionel Messi has revealed his favourite career goal came against Man United
- The Argentine forward has scored a remarkable 860 goals in a glistening career
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Should Oliver Glasner leave Palace for Spurs?
Lionel Messi has revealed that his favourite goal during his glistening career came against Manchester United.
The legendary forward has scored 860 goals for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina since making his professional debut in 2004.
In that time the eight-time B’allon D’Or winner has lifted a staggering 46 trophies, including ten LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and the World Cup.
But amongst a career of never-ending goals and success, the 37-year-old has picked his famous header which sealed the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United in Rome as his favourite.
‘It’s the goal, the header goal in the Champions League final [against] Manchester [United],’ he revealed as part of a ‘A Goal in Life’ charity campaign.
‘Because of the moment it happened, because it crowned an unforgettable year. For me it’s the most meaningful goal of all.
Lionel Messi has revealed that his favourite ever career goal came against Manchester United
Messi gave Barcelona a 2-0 lead in the 2009 Champions League final against United in Rome
Barcelona won a remarkable treble in 2009 under Pep Guardiola, with Messi scoring 38 times
‘I’ve scored many goals that might have been even more beautiful and valuable — also because of their importance — but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United has always been my favourite.’
Manchester United came up against Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League final as they looked to win back-to-back titles having beaten Chelsea in Moscow the previous season.
But they were dominated by a ruthless Barcelona side, managed by Pep Guardiola, who romped to a remarkable treble.
Samuel Eto’o opened the scoring in the first-half before Messi leaped metres into the air and onto the end of a Xavi cross, directing the ball over Edwin van der Sar and into the net.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson saluted the Barcelona side as one of the greatest sides of all time after the loss, admitting that ‘no one has given us a hiding like that’.
Messi was just 21 at the time, but the goal was his 38th in 51 games that season.
‘No one has given us a hiding like that,’ Sir Alex Ferguson said after their defeat to Barcelona
Messi plays for Inter Miami with former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez
He went on to score an astounding 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona, including famous solo goals against Getafe in 2007, Real Madrid in 2011 and Athletic Bilbao in 2015.
The Argentine now plays for David Beckham’s Inter Miami alongside former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets and helmed by Javier Mascherano.
They will take part in next month’s Club World Cup and face Porto, Al Ahly of Egypt and Brazilian side Palmeiras.
