10 greatest moments of Lionel Messi for Barcelona

2004 was the year when a La Masia product graced the Camp Nou pitch as he came on as a replacement for one of the Barcelona greats Deco. Ten years have passed on and now that 17-year-old has established himself as one of the greatest players in the game. Lionel Andres Messi has completed a decade in the Blaugrana colors and in the process has earned the right to be known as a legend in Catalunya.With each passing season, the 27-year-old has broken records after records, setting incredibly high standards for himself. He has been the main man for his club since the departure of Ronaldinho and has dazzled both La Liga and Europe with his unique talents. Many footballing pundits across the world have deservedly compared him to the likes of Pele and Maradona and some even consider him to be the most decorated footballer of all-time.With countless moments of brilliance, it is difficult to handpick Messi’s best moments from the past decade. But we have managed to select 10 out of them and to honor Messi’s legacy as a Catalan, here are they.

#10 Debut for Barcelona

On October 2004, a young 17-year-old lad made his debut in the Catalan derby against Espanyol as Barcelona won 1-0 against their rivals. The only goal-scorer of the game Deco was substituted and in stepped Lionel Messi for the first time in senior colors. He became the youngest player to represent the club in La Liga, a record which was later broken by Bojan.

A memorable day for the Messi and the Camp Nou faithful as the journey of an incredible player commenced.

#9 First goal in Blaugrana colors

Messi scored his first goal for Barcelona against Albacete in La Liga after being set up by his predecessor Ronaldinho. It was a cool finish by the Argentine who came on as a substitute in the final minutes of the game.

Right there, the world witnessed a precious moment as the present of Barcelona assisted the future torch carrier of Barcelona.

#8 Becomes all-time El Clasico top scorer

In the second El Clasico of the 2013/14 season, Barcelona defeated arch rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in what was an intense and closely fought encounter with lots of controversial moments and calls from the referee.

Regardless of that, Messi scored a hat-trick which included two penalties which was his second against the Blancos and surpassed his compatriot and Madrid legend Alfred Di Stefano (18), becoming the derby’s all-time top scorer with 21 goals. It was yet another impressive record that the Albiceleste forward claimed to his name.

#7 5 goals against Bayern Leverkusen in the Champions League

In the Round-of-16 encounter against Bayern Leverkusen in 2012, Lionel Messi became the first player ever to score 5 goals in a single Champions League game as he tormented the German side all night long. It was a performance of epic proportions from the little genius as Barcelona thrashed the Bundesliga outfit 7-1 at the Camp Nou to comfortably progress into the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Another monumental night for Messi who registered himself into Europe’s top club competition’s record books.

#6 Scores a carbon copy and one of the most special goals ever against Getafe

This was the moment when Messi caught the attention of the footballing universe as he scored simply of the most sensational strike that one could ever witness. His Argentine predecessor Diego Maradona cemented his name as one of, if not the greatest ever to play the game after scoring the ‘Goal of the Century’ in the 1986 World Cup against England after beating several defenders through a darting run from the centre line.

The goal was of the highest regards and it would take a brave one to predict that something brilliant like that could be replicated ever again. Twenty years later, another Argentine did the same only this time he was left footed. Messi captivated the world through his mesmerising run as he beat every single Getafe player in front of him and went past the goalkeeper to finish one of the best goals ever.

#5 Scores 91 goals and becomes highest goal scorer in a calender year

Germany’s legendary marksman Gerd Muller was the record holder for most goals scored in a calendar year. The former Bayern Munich striker has 86 strikes to his name which was scored by him in 1972. And that record stood long enough to convince that it would never be broken.

But that 40-year-old achievement was broken in 2012 by the diminutive Argentine as he surpassed the 1974 World Cup winner in a game against Getafe scoring a brace and becoming the new all-time leading scorer in a calendar year. He ended up with an incredible total of 91 goals.

#4 One-man show against Arsenal

It was the night when Arsenal manager found a new nickname for the Barcelona forward – PlayStation. Barcelona hosted the Gunners at the Camp Nou for the second leg of their quarter-final clash in the 2010 Champions League. Arsenal took the lead as Nicklas Bendtner scored the opener and sent panic into the hearts of the Catalonia faithful.

But Barcelona immediately replied as Messi scored the equaliser with a superb drive. And then came one of the greatest champions league performances of all time as the Barcelona man single-handedly took things into his own hands and scored four goals, including a spectacular late solo goal which ensured his team’s progress into the next round.

#3 First hat-trick against Real Madrid

How often do you see a 19-year-old youngster score a hat-trick in possibly the biggest club football game in the world? The possibility is highly unlikely to be honest. But for Lionel Messi, it wasn't.

In his first ever El Clasico at the Camp Nou in 2007, the Argentine scored his first hat-trick against Real Madrid, coming back three times from a goal down to rescue Barcelona. The game ended in a 3-3 draw and Fabio Capello’s Galactico side was overshadowed by a then upcoming world class talent. It was then when Blancos legend Raul recognised Messi’s talent and predicted him to become one of the best in the future.

It was then when Blancos legend Raul recognised Messi’s talent and predicted him to become one of the best in the future.

#2 Header against Manchester United in 2009 Champions League final

Manchester United and Barcelona faced off for the second consecutive time in the 2009 final of the UEFA Champions League. United were favourites to become the first team in the Champions League era to defend the title and Barcelona were looking to avenge their 2008 semi-final loss at the Old Trafford. But above all, it was also the showdown between world’s two best players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

United got to a flying start as they put Barcelona on the back foot in the opening minutes. But it was Barca who scored the opener through Samuel Eto’o and put pressure on the defending champions. United tried their best to equalise but Messi’s surprising header in the second half confirmed Barca’s third title and also completed a historic treble under Guardiola in his first season as manager.

#1 Brace against Real Madrid in Champions League semi final

Two days prior to this match, Lionel Messi and his teammates were brought into tears by Cristiano Ronaldo after his extra-time header gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win in the Copa Del Rey final. It was the second of the four Clasicos that Real and Barca played over two weeks time and Ronaldo already gained the upper hand against his rival.

But Messi’s reply came in the semi-final of the Champions League as he scored a brace at the Bernabeu which included a stunning solo effort in the final minutes of the encounter. Barca won 2-0 and progressed into the finals. They went on to win their fourth title against Manchester United.