Since we were first introduced to the man who it has become too difficult to come up with superlatives about every time he outwits an opponent, he has offered spectators everything beautiful about the game, not to mention some spectacular strikes.
Here, whittled down from over 100, are his top five.
5. v Real Madrid, November 2008
In the last minute of the game and Barcelona already a goal up, Gerard Pique launches a counter attack. Henry then finds Messi with pinpoint precision. About 12 yards out and with Iker Casillas advancing, Messi deftly chips the Real keeper to make sure of the points.
4. v Getafe, April 2007
Reminiscent of Diego Maradona himself. Picking up the ball in his own half, Messi beats half the Getafe team before rounding the keeper and putting the ball in the net.
3. v Arsenal, April 2010
Messi got four on this memorable night, but the goal that sealed his hat trick was the cream of the crop. Barcelona were already picking Arsenal apart at will, and with just five minutes to go until half time, Keita headed a through ball for Messi to race onto. As he came face to face with Almunia, the keeper went to ground and the striker cheekily lifted the ball over him into the goal.
2. v Albacete, May 2005
Where history started; Messi's first professional goal for Barcelona, at the age of just 17 years, 10 months and seven days, making him the youngest player to score in a La Liga game for Barcelona until Bojan in 2007. Receiving a sublime pass from Ronaldinho, Messi used just one touch to beat the keeper and announce himself to the world.
1. v Real Madrid, March 2007
Another last minute goal in El Classico, this time to grab a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Picking up another pass from mentor Ronaldinho, Messi uses his pace to escape the Real Madrid defence and put his shot beyond the despairing dive of centre back Sergio Ramos, into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Genu
- Robbie Blakeley for Football.co.uk
Source: DSG
