Lionel Messi has scored five goals for Barcelona that were better than last night's wonder strike against Bayern Munich
The forward's strike against Bayern Munich was stunning
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Your support makes all the difference.Lionel Messi's second against Bayern Munich last night will rightly go down as one of the Barcelona player's finest goals.
The sharpness of feet he showed to sit Jerome Boateng down stunned the millions watching the UEFA Champions League semi-final and unleashed thousands of internet memes. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp described it as "almost illegal".
Was this strike the best of the Messi's glittering career? Here are five other goals that can might just be better and definitely lay claim to being the Argentinian wizard's greatest.
5. vs. Arsenal, Champions League, 8 March 2011
One of the best examples of Messi's quick thinking at close quarters. His initial take from Andreas Iniesta could be better and it almost allows Arsenal to block the chance, but if the first touch is a little off, the second is sublime. The sliding body of Manuel Almunia is seen off with an brilliant and instinctual dink which allows Messi to slot the ball into an open goal on the volley.
4. vs. Sevila, La Liga, 17 March 2012
It takes just three touches. The first brings the ball under control, the second nutmegs a bamboozled centre-back and the third lofts the ball beautifully over the onrushing 'keeper before it nestles perfectly in the corner of the net. An outstanding finish.
3. vs. Real Madrid, Champions League, 27 April 2011
In world football's biggest game, on its grandest stage, Messi produces one of his greatest goals. After putting his side ahead with a close range effort, he then doubles their lead, zipping past five challenges from defenders of the highest calibre and angling a low finish past Iker Casillas.
2. vs. Real Zaragoza, La Liga, 21 March 2010
This is as notable for Messi's tenacity and upper-body strength, underrated aspects of his game, just as much as it is for the typical technical wizardy. He wrestles a sleeping midfielder, maintains his balance to turn two opponents inside out before slotting home. It is perhaps his most well-rounded goal.
1. vs. Getafe, Copa del Rey semi-final, 18 April 2007
A simply stunning goal. After taking the ball on the right wing in his own half, the little magician sets off on a mesmerising dribble, beating off the challenge of four defenders before rounding the hapless 'keeper and scoring. He was 19 years old. It may take him his whole career to better it.
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