Lionel Messi Favorite Goal Ever: The Goal against Great Ronaldo 2009

Lionel Messi Favorite Goal. Lionel Messi, with over 860 career goals, has delivered countless moments of brilliance, but one stands above the rest as his personal favorite. On May 23, 2025, as part of Inter Miami CF Foundation’s ‘A Goal in Life’ charity initiative, Messi revealed that his Lionel Messi favorite goal is not one of the two he scored in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup final triumph against France. Instead, he chose a 2009 UEFA Champions League final header for Barcelona against Manchester United, a goal that sealed a 2-0 victory and a historic treble.

Lionel Messi Favorite Goal: Why the 2009 Champions League Header Tops His 2022 World Cup Strikes

The Lionel Messi favorite goal announcement came during a heartfelt reflection for a charitable cause. Despite scoring 23 goals in World Cup tournaments—including a penalty and a deft finish in the 2022 final against France—Messi bypassed these for a header against Manchester United on May 27, 2009. “I have scored many goals that might have been even more beautiful and valuable, also because of their importance, but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United has always been my favorite,” Messi said, per Marca.

This choice surprised fans, given the emotional weight of the 2022 World Cup, which cemented Messi’s legacy with Argentina’s first title since 1986. Yet, the 2009 goal’s personal and historical significance for Messi—marking Barcelona’s third Champions League title and a treble under Pep Guardiola—elevates it to the top of his list. Posts on X reflect the buzz, with @ESPNFC tweeting, “Messi picking a 2009 header over his World Cup goals? Legendary choice!” highlighting the intrigue surrounding the Lionel Messi favorite goal.

The Goal: A Header That Defined an Era

The Lionel Messi favorite goal occurred in the 70th minute of the 2009 UEFA Champions League final at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Barcelona led 1-0, thanks to Samuel Eto’o’s 10th-minute strike, but Manchester United, fresh off a 2008 title, were pressing. Xavi Hernandez delivered a pinpoint cross, and Messi, at 5’7”, outjumped United’s 6’2” defender Rio Ferdinand to loop a header over goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. The goal, described by The Guardian as “a moment of improbable brilliance,” sealed a 2-0 win and Barcelona’s first treble (LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Champions League).

Messi’s own words capture the moment’s magic: “It was hard to imagine that I was going to score with my head with Ferdinand standing near me, but I did not really have a marker—the ball came into the center, and I was there to meet it.” This rare headed goal—only 22 of his 860+ career goals are headers—made it uniquely special, as Messi noted, “It was such an important goal in every sense: for the team, for the way the final was turning in our favor, and for me, too.” The Lionel Messi favorite goal thus combines personal achievement with team triumph.

Context: The 2009 Champions League Final’s Legacy

The Lionel Messi favorite goal was a cornerstone of Barcelona’s 2008-09 season, a campaign that redefined modern football. Under Pep Guardiola’s first year as manager, Barcelona played a tiki-taka style that overwhelmed opponents, finishing with 105 goals in LaLiga and a 6-2 Clasico rout of Real Madrid. The Champions League final pitted them against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and a formidable defense. Messi’s goal not only clinched the title but also marked his emergence as the world’s best, earning his first Ballon d’Or later that year.

The goal’s impact extended beyond the scoreline. It symbolized Barcelona’s dominance and Messi’s ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, a trait that would define his career. UEFA’s donation of the goal’s audiovisual rights for charity underscores its cultural significance, ensuring the Lionel Messi favorite goal resonates beyond football.

Artistic Immortalization: A Digital Masterpiece

The Lionel Messi favorite goal is set to be preserved in a groundbreaking way. Celebrated digital artist Refik Anadol will transform the goal into a one-of-a-kind artwork using artificial intelligence, analyzing thousands of match data points to create a visual masterpiece. The project, part of the Inter Miami CF Foundation’s initiative, will see the artwork auctioned by Christie’s, with proceeds supporting UNICEF’s education programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The unveiling is scheduled for June 11, 2025, on Christie’s website, followed by public viewing in New York from July 15 to 21, with online bidding closing on July 25. This fusion of sport, art, and philanthropy elevates the Lionel Messi favorite goal to a global cultural artifact, as noted by Artnet, which praised Anadol’s ability to “capture the emotion of Messi’s brilliance.” Fans on X are excited, with @InterMiamiCF posting, “Messi’s 2009 header as AI art? This is next-level!”

Why Not the 2022 World Cup Goals?

Messi’s decision to overlook his 2022 World Cup final goals for the Lionel Messi favorite goal has sparked debate. His penalty in the 23rd minute and a clinical finish in the 108th minute against France were pivotal in Argentina’s 3-3 (4-2 penalties) victory, ending a 36-year title drought. These goals, watched by over 1.5 billion people, carried immense emotional weight, with Messi later calling the win “the ultimate dream.”

Yet, Messi’s preference for the 2009 header reflects personal significance over global impact. The World Cup goals were team efforts, with Ángel Di María and Gonzalo Montiel also scoring, while the 2009 goal was a solo moment of brilliance against a towering defender. ESPN’s Tim Vickery suggests Messi values the technical rarity of the header, given his stature, and its role in a treble. The Lionel Messi favorite goal thus highlights his introspective nature, prioritizing a career-defining moment over a universally celebrated one.

Messi’s Career in Context

The Lionel Messi favorite goal is one of 860+ in a career spanning Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and Argentina. His eight Ballon d’Ors, four Champions League titles, and 2022 World Cup crown cement his status as a football legend. In 2024-25, Messi has excelled with Inter Miami, scoring 10 goals in 15 MLS matches, per MLSsoccer.com, keeping his team in playoff contention.

Messi’s 23 World Cup goals, including seven in 2022, surpass Ronaldo’s 20, and his 350+ assists dwarf Ronaldo’s 230+. Yet, the Lionel Messi favorite goal—a header, not a dribble or free-kick—shows his versatility. As he nears 38, his focus on moments like 2009 reflects a legacy built on both statistics and sentiment.

Fan and Media Reactions

The Lionel Messi favorite goal reveal has ignited social media. X posts praise Messi’s choice, with @BarcaWorldwide noting, “Messi picking a header over World Cup goals shows how unique that 2009 moment was.” Others, like @FootballTalk, argue, “World Cup final goals should top any list!” Media outlets like BBC Sport highlight the goal’s role in Barcelona’s treble, while The Athletic emphasizes its artistic transformation, calling it “a fitting tribute to Messi’s genius.”

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s revelation of his Lionel Messi favorite goal—the 2009 Champions League header against Manchester United—offers a glimpse into the mind of football’s greatest artist. Outshining even his 2022 World Cup heroics, this goal encapsulates Messi’s ability to defy expectations, from outjumping Rio Ferdinand to clinching a treble. Its upcoming transformation into AI art for charity further immortalizes its legacy. As Messi continues to dazzle with Inter Miami, his choice reminds us that his career is defined not just by numbers but by moments of pure magic. Which Messi goal is your favorite? Share below!

🚨Breaking: Lionel Messi chooses his goal in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United as the best goal of his career 🐐⚽

pic.twitter.com/o5cwMdF71D

— MC (@CrewsMat10) May 22, 2025

FAQs: Lionel Messi Favorite Goal

What is Lionel Messi’s favorite goal?
Messi chose his 2009 UEFA Champions League final header for Barcelona against Manchester United as his Lionel Messi favorite goal.
Why didn’t Messi pick his 2022 World Cup final goals?
He valued the 2009 header’s technical rarity and its role in Barcelona’s treble over the World Cup goals’ global significance.
What happened in the 2009 Champions League final?
Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0, with Eto’o scoring in the 10th minute and Messi’s header in the 70th sealing the win.
How is Messi’s favorite goal being immortalized?
Digital artist Refik Anadol is creating an AI-driven artwork of the goal, to be auctioned by Christie’s for UNICEF education programs.
When and where can the artwork be viewed?
It will be unveiled on Christie’s website on June 11, 2025, with public viewing in New York from July 15-21, and bidding until July 25.
How many goals has Messi scored in his career?
As of May 2025, Messi has over 860 career goals for Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, and Argentina.