Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest soccer player to ever grace the game. While he has scored a plethora of goals, most of them being extraordinary in nature, one such goal of Messi stands out. It was scored by a teenage Lionel Messi, and it probably marked a new era that heralded the arrival of the future seven-times-Ballon d’Or-winner on the global soccer stage.
The goal stands out primarily for three reasons. Firstly, it was probably the best goal that the all-time-top-scorer for Barcelona has ever scored in his career.
Secondly, his goal drew comparisons with a goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Lastly, the goal still remains etched in the minds of football fans because of its iconic commentary. This was the goal where the words, “Encara Messi” got eternalized in the soccer world.
Who is the Catalan commentator who popularized ‘Encara Messi?’
The iconic phrase ‘Encara Messi‘ was popularized by Catalan commentator Joaquim Maria Puyal. Puyal was commentating during the match between Barcelona and Getafe when Messi scored the historic goal. Puyal repeated the phrase ‘Encara Messi’ while narrating the current Paris Saint-Germain star’s goal.
The phrase, ‘Encara Messi‘ literally means ‘faces Messi’. As the years have gone past, this phrase has become increasingly popular. The phrase has featured a lot on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok.
#Sokkahtwitter really gotta embrace these lads. Some absolute ripper football comms in their wheelhouse.
👉🏼 @shepmates #EncaraMessi #GolGolGolGolGolGolGol pic.twitter.com/T37E2z5b31
— Kire. (@Millberry80) December 1, 2022
Which game was it?
The goal was scored in a Copa Del Rey match in 2007 between Barcelona and Getafe. Barcelona won the game 5-2, where 19-year-old Messi scored a brace. However, it was the first goal that got the entire stadium on their feet, applauding the brilliance of the former Barcelona star’s goal.
The former Barcelona star receives a pass from Xavi just near the half-line, close to the right touchline. Messi’s deft first touch helps him to evade the first oncoming defender. The Argentine, with his second touch, nutmegs the second defender, and then slaloms down the touchline.
He then dribbles past two more defenders before entering the Getafe penalty box, dribbles around the goalkeeper, and chips the ball into the goal. The entire play of twelve to thirteen seconds immediately brought to mind the famous ‘goal of the century scored by Diego Maradona against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
Messi’s goal was almost a carbon copy of Maradona’s goal against England. It was ironic, as the current Argentina skipper is considered to be the successor of Maradona’s throne in Argentine football.