Lionel Messi claimed a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France. The Argentina international - now three clear of his closest competitor, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the standings - remained in the spotlight for the days that followed, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the footballing fraternity. (More Football News)
When the celebrations finally subsided, Messi sat down to reflect on his career. Asked, among other things, to pick his favourite career goal out of more than 800, the former Barcelona superstar chose one he had scored for the Spanish giants against their bitter rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals more than a decade ago.
"A goal that I always remember, and I don't go much for the goal, and what the goals mean, it's the goal against Real Madrid, which we beat 2-0 in the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu," he said.
The goal in question is widely considered among the best Messi has scored in his career, given the significance of the occasion and his audacity to march through the entire Real Madrid defence despite the flying tackles.
Thirty-six now, Messi spent 18 years of his career with FC Barcelona, ascending from the youth ranks to the first team and then to superstardom. In 778 appearances that elapsed nearly two decades, the Argentinian scored 672 goals, before joining Paris Saint-Germain.
