Lionel Messi Picks His Favorite Goal of His Career, and It Came Against Rival Cristiano Ronaldo Back in 2009
- On May 22, 2025, Lionel Messi revealed that his favorite goal of his career was the header he scored for Barcelona during the 2009 Champions League final versus Manchester United.
- Messi chose this goal from over 800 scored because it sealed Barcelona’s 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico and holds special personal significance.
- The goal saw Messi leap for a ball nearly 9 feet high and head it past goalkeeper Edwin van de Sar in the 70th minute, despite not being known for headers.
- Artist Refik Anadol partnered with Messi on a project transforming this goal into AI-generated art set to be unveiled by Christie’s on June 11, with proceeds aiding multiple nonprofits.
- This campaign highlights Messi’s charitable focus in selecting the goal and may raise substantial funds while honoring a defining moment in his unparalleled career.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Lionael Messi: Superstar Chooses His Favorite Goal – It's a Profane Headball
Lionel Messi has scored over 800 goals in his career. Many have been spectacular and have entered football history. His personal number one radiates little splendour, but has an all the greater significance.
Lionel Messi Chooses Accurate Header Against Edwin Van Der Sar as His Career Favourite
Lionel Messi (37) has scored more than 850 goals in his career. In a World Cup final? He did it. With a free kick or after an inimitable dribble? The Argentinian star also has plenty of such gems in his arsenal. But his favorite goal? He scored it with his head, according to himself.


Messi’s favorite goal, a header for Barcelona in 2009 Champions League final, to become work of art
Lionel Messi has revealed his favorite goal, and it wasn’t one of the hundreds he has scored with his legendary left foot. It was a header — one that sealed Barcelona’s 2009 Champions League final win over Manchester United. The Inter Miami star, World Cup champion for Argentina and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement on Thursday, saying that goal from 16 years ago stands above the many he has logged for club and country over his…
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