The absolute magician that is Lionel Messi has consistently mesmerised football fans worldwide with his extraordinary skill and creativity on the pitch.
While he’s known for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, it’s his cheeky and audacious goals that often steal the show. Here is a top 10 of Messi’s cheekiest goals which will be discussed years after the great no.10 departs the sport;
1. The “Nutmeg Special” – 2015
Messi has an uncanny ability to slip the ball through an opponent’s legs, leaving them bewildered. One of his most memorable nutmeg goals was against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. He cheekily threaded the ball through Jerome Boateng’s legs before calmly slotting it into the net.
2. The “Duck Breaker” – 2021
After a slow start to life at PSG, Messi’s first goal for the club was an absolute beauty. After exchanging a neat one-two with Kylian Mbappe, Messi hit a delicious first time strike into the top corner, leaving Man City goalie Ederson absolutely helpless.
3. The “Chip Masterclass”: 2011
Messi has a knack for delicately chipping the ball over keepers from tight angles. His goal against Arsenal in the Champions League showcased this cheeky skill, as he lofted the ball over the onrushing goalie before volleying home with impeccable finesse.
4. The “Dribble King”: 2007
In a game against Getafe, a fresh faced Messi embarked on a solo run reminiscent of Diego Maradona’s famous “Goal of the Century.” He cheekily weaved through multiple defenders before slotting the ball home, leaving fans and opponents in awe.
5. The “Free-Kick Wizard”: 2019
Messi’s free-kick prowess is legendary. He often surprises goalkeepers with his ability to bend the ball around the wall and into the net. His cheeky free-kick against Liverpool in the Champions League was a testament to his dead-ball artistry.
6. The “One-Man Show”: 2015
In the Copa del Rey 2015 final against Athletic Bilbao, Messi cheekily dribbled past several defenders and the goalkeeper in a confined space before rolling the ball into the net. It was a moment of individual brilliance that showcased his audacious talent.
7. The “First Time Dink”: 2019
Messi’s ability to nonchalantly pull off incredible finishes is second to none. In a game against Real Betis, Messi secured his hat-trick after walking onto a pass and clipping a first time chip in off the underside of the crossbar.
8. The “Superclásico Golazo”: 2012
In a friendly match against Brazil, Messi displayed his flair by showing a Brazilian defender a clean set of heels before driving with the ball and scoring a sumptuous curler in the top corner.
9. The “Quick Free-Kick”: 2008
Some years ago Messi caught Atletico Madrid snoozing. After Barcelona were awarded a free kick from some way out, Messi took it quickly and caught the entire Atleti team unawares as the ball nestled in.
10. The “El Clasico Finale”: 2017
This goal simply had to be included in this list. After scoring a lovely placed effort in the last minute against Real Madrid, Messi removed his shirt and birthed an iconic celebration.
Lionel Messi’s cheeky goals are a testament to his unique blend of skill, audacity, and footballing intelligence. Each of these moments is a reminder of why he’s considered one of, if not the greatest footballer of all time. Whether it’s dribbling past defenders, nutmegging opponents, or producing spectacular finishes, Messi’s cheekiness keeps us all in awe as he epitomises everything beautiful about the game we love.
