Frank Christian
Have you ever considered which goal Lionel Messi regards as the pinnacle of his illustrious career? We’re here to unveil the answer.
The legendary athlete has chosen his standout moment from his exceptional football journey, sharing his choice during a charity event for the Inter Miami CF foundation.
Having made his selection, contemporary artist Refik Anadol will transform Messi’s choice into a piece of art.
With that information, The Sporting News decided to highlight our own personal favorite Messi goal and see how it compares to his.
We’ll discover which goal Messi ultimately chose as the highlight of his career.
Which goal ranks as Lionel Messi’s best?
Contributors from The Sporting News football team advocate for their favorite Messi goal of all time.
This isn’t a ranking or a list; rather, it’s about identifying one exceptional goal that shines above the rest. But which goal is it? The options are overwhelming, filled with countless breathtaking moments.
So what are the finest of the finest? Here are the selections made by our team.
2015 Champions League Semifinal Goal vs. Bayern Munich
Lionel Messi Destroys Bayern’s Jerome Boateng in 2015 UCL Semifinal | CBS Sports Golazo
It’s one of the most iconic moments in Champions League history and of course it was made by Lionel Messi at the expense of Jerome Boateng. Watch as Messi electrifies the crowd with this skill and goal. Stream every UEFA Champions League match live on Paramount+: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/uefa-champions-league/
Lionel Messi’s unforgettable goal against Bayern Munich confirms that he is not only synonymous with football but also with artistry. His breathtaking maneuver that sent defender Jerome Boateng tumbling has become an iconic snapshot in Champions League folklore, quickly evolving into a legendary football meme.
This goal highlights Messi’s brilliance; his ability to escape tight situations and showcase improvisation is unparalleled. It also proves he possesses one of the finest left feet ever, complemented by a remarkable right foot as well.
All of this unfolded under the Champions League spotlight, facing a legendary team and concluding against arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time. — Joao Castanheria
Second Goal vs. Real Madrid in 2011 Champions League Semifinal
Incredible Messi #OnThisDay in 2011 #UCL | @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/QbD1A0cFeS
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 27, 2019
April 2011 brought forth a memorable Clasico World Series: four matches in 17 days across three different tournaments. The rivalry between Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid reached unprecedented levels of tension. Barcelona clinched the league title, while Madrid bagged the Copa del Rey, splitting the major domestic honors.
However, the Champions League semifinal was the main event. Messi struck twice in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu, effectively sealing the tie before its conclusion. His greatest goal, the second of the night, commenced near the halfway line. After passing to Sergio Busquets, he ran to retrieve the ball from Busquets’ casual assist—what a brilliant pass!—as if proclaiming, “Let me handle this.”
He left Lassana Diarra behind, maneuvered past Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, and Marcelo, finishing with his weaker foot while tumbling to the ground. Considering the opponent, the occasion, and the relentless tackling he faced during the match, this was a moment of sheer brilliance. — Joe Wright
2007 Copa del Rey Semifinal Goal vs. Getafe
#OnThisDay | April 18, 2007
In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, the 19-year-old budding star Leo #Messi takes the ball in Barça’s half and breezes past Getafe to score one of the most extraordinary goals ever seen. pic.twitter.com/GmG9mjF1pk
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 18, 2020
At just 19 years old, Lionel Messi executed a goal that remains unparalleled. This moment truly embodies the persona Messi would cultivate throughout his illustrious career.
Among the numerous world-class abilities he possessed, his iconic dribbling was the first to shine, revealing the greatness he would ultimately achieve. The Barcelona ace picked up the ball within his own half and deftly maneuvered past four defenders (including evading one twice) and the goalkeeper before sliding in a tight-angle finish, sailing the ball over one last desperate defender.
It was a spectacular run that showcased Messi’s ability to anticipate the movements of his opponents before they realize their own actions. — Kyle Bonn
Goal vs. Athletic Club in 2015 Copa del Rey Final
🏆 Gol de Leo Messi Athletic Club 1-3 FC Barcelona (Final Copa del Rey 2015) 🏆
Espectacular primer tanto del crack argentino en la última finalísima entre el FC Barcelona y el Athletic Club, conquistada por el equipo azulgrana el 30 de mayo de 2015 en el Camp Nou.
While I could have selected Messi’s iconic strikes against Getafe in 2007, Real Madrid in 2011, or Mexico in 2022 for their remarkable difficulty and significance, his goal against Athletic Club in the 2015 Copa del Rey final stands out as the ideal blend of being a dazzling strike and carrying historical importance.
This is a stunning goal: Messi collects the ball near midfield, weaves past four defenders with incredible finesse, and unleashes a perfect shot. More than just its technical brilliance, this goal was crucial—it was the opener in a final against a formidable opponent like Athletic Club, marking a key moment in Barcelona’s legendary treble-winning season alongside Neymar and Suárez in the iconic MSN trio. — Augustin Aboy
Second Goal vs. France in 2022 FIFA World Cup Final
Messi’s goals for Argentina: No.98
Scoring a double on the grandest stage… pic.twitter.com/2i95v3mDuA
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 29, 2023
Can a goal scored with an unconventional strike, using a player’s weaker foot, truly encapsulate the essence of Messi’s brilliance?
Could Messi’s goal, scored after an initial save from the goalkeeper and nearly intercepted by a defender—complete with a VAR review—be his finest? Considering the incredible strikes he has made, weaving through five, six, or seven opponents and those breathtaking long shots, it indeed might be. The key factor? Simply put: Best. World. Cup. Final. Ever.
Messi’s second goal against France during the extra time of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, which was a crucial go-ahead goal at the 108th minute, stands out as arguably his greatest. Its importance is undeniable, despite Mbappe’s efforts that led to a penalty shootout; it’s the one I, along with countless Argentines (including Messi himself), would select. —Mauricio Codocea
Which goal does Lionel Messi cherish the most in his career?
The Sporting News has expressed their thoughts, but what about Lionel Messi’s personal favorite?
Speaking at an event for the Inter Miami CF Foundation on May 22, 2025, Messi shared that his top goal is the header against Manchester United during the 2009 Champions League final in Rome.
The Goal of Rome. A spectacular moment from an unmatched career by Leo Messi. Now, @refikanadol is set to transform it into an iconic artistic piece. All proceeds will support the IMCF Foundation and its charitable initiatives.
El Gol de Roma. Una obra maestra de una carrera… pic.twitter.com/uRJxB3YRUh
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 22, 2025
With Barcelona ahead 1-0 at halftime, Messi executed a remarkable backward header from a cross by Xavi, slotting it into the top corner, leaving Edwin van der Sar helpless. Given that heading wasn’t his strongest attribute, this remarkable feat might have surprised even him.
“Due to the significance of the moment,” Messi reflected, “and what it represented, plus the fact that it capped off an unforgettable year for me, it’s the most significant goal of all—and it’s the goal…the header in the Champions League final against Manchester.”
The artistic interpretation of this moment will be unveiled on June 11.
