What’s the story?
Lionel Messi’s goal celebration after his second and decisive goal in the El Clasico sent ripples through the football fraternity. The Argentine, after slotting home the ball, took off his iconic Number 10 shirt and held it up for the Bernabeu faithful to see, pointing at his name.
The Argentine’s celebration was a reaction to the stick he was getting from the Real Madrid fans all throughout the game and wasn’t an indication of his contract situation at Barcelona. His holding up the shirt was a clear indication of him telling the Blancos fans, ‘I am special, what you see is special’.
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In case you didn’t know...
The Santiago Bernabeu witnessed one of the best El Clasicos of recent times when Barcelona snatched a last-gasp win in the 92nd minute. Real Madrid drew first blood as Casemiro poked in from Sergio Ramos’ square ball, only for Messi to rise to the occasion and score his first goal of the game, jinking past two and slotting into the bottom corner.
Ivan Rakitic put Barcelona in front with a lovely left-footed drive from outside the box, soon after which Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent off for a high tackle on Messi. Substitute James Rodriguez however, helped the home team draw level after some atrocious defending from Barcelona.
The stage was all set for Messi, who had an incredible game till then, to slot home from the edge of the box in injury time.
The heart of the matter
The celebration was very uncharacteristic of the Argentine. He is normally known for his low-key celebrations, but the atmosphere and incidents leading up to the goal surely sent him over the edge.
Ramos’ challenge, James’ goal and all the abuse from the Real Madrid fans – it all contributed to the celebration, which is surely going to be remembered as one of the most iconic in the history of the El Clasico.
What’s next?
The goal has re-opened the La Liga title race with both teams at 75 points and Barcelona ahead due to their head to head record. Real Madrid have a game in hand and remain the favorites for the La Liga title.
But as was seen on Sunday, it ain’t over till it is.
Author’s take
Messi’s iconic goal celebration is certainly going to be remembered for years and years to come. His reactions to Barcelona winning the PSG tie and the goal in the El Clasico remind us (and that might be the only time) that he is, after all, human.
Gotta love the man.
