Image Credit- The Mirror.
Lionel Messi through his innumerable footballing performances has mesmerized the football fans all over the world. Therefore it will be hard to discuss about his every performance in one blog post. As a result in this blog post, the author will be discussing about one of his great performances.
In the La Liga Season 2016-17, Barcelona were facing their arch rivals Real Madrid at Madrid. It was a must win game for the visitors to keep their title hopes alive.
However it were the hosts who scored the opening goal of the game. In the 29th minute of the game, Marcelo played the ball inside the box and Ramos hit the post. However, on rebound Casemiro pushed it in and Real Madrid had the lead in this crucial encounter. But, soon Messi scored the equalizer in the 33rd minute of the game. And what a lovely goal it was. He dribbled past a couple of Madrid defenders and beat Navas successfully. Furthermore just before the goal, Messi received a few bodily blows and blood came out of his mouth. As a result the goal was even more special. The first half ended at a score line 1-1.
In the second half, Rakitic scored the second goal for the visitors and now the visitors had the lead. Rakitic fired home a piledriver into the far post from the edge of the box. However soon after the second goal, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was shown a straight red-card for his foul on Messi. The hosts were now playing with 10 men. But, the game was evenly poised.
In the 85th minute of the game super-sub James Rodriguez scored an equalizer for the hosts. The score was now 2-2. It appeared that the game will end in a draw. But, then there was another twist in the tale. Sergio Roberto made a great run from his side of defense to Madrid's defense and then Messi stepped up to the occasion and scored the winner on the last kick of the game. And then came his shirtless celebration which grabbed all the headlines.
It is pertinent to note that prior to this game, Messi failed to score in pervious 6 El-Clasicos. However it should be kept in mind that the goal he scored not only helped Barca win the game but, it also blew open the La Liga title race. Furthermore it was also Lionel Messi's 500th goal for FC Barcelona. Hence it can be said that it was a very special goal by a very very special player.
References- Sportkeeda.
