#2 UEFA Champions League
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Lionel Messi has played in three Champions League finals so far in his career and, unlike his international record, the diminutive forward has won all those games. The Barcelona forward’s three Champions League finals were played in 2009, 2011 and 2015. His first Champions League final appearance came against Manchester United in 2009, when the now 29-year-old played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s victory, scoring one goal while helping Andres Iniesta in setting up Samuel Eto’s goal.
Lionel Messi was declared as the Fans’ Man of the Match after he inspired his side to a 2-0 victory. The Argentine international recorded two shots that day out of which one was on target (resulted in goal), while he also played one key pass.
His second Champions League final appearance also came against English Premier League giants, Manchester United. This time, he not only became the Fans’ Man of the Match, but was also declared as UEFA’s Man of the Match. Messi capped off his brilliant performance with a goal to help Barcelona secure a 3-1 win over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. During the game, Messi registered 5 shots, of which 3 were on target, while also creating 3 chances for his team.
The 5-time Ballon d’Or winners’ latest Champions League final appearance was against Serie A Champions Juventus in 2015. The diminutive forward failed to receive any individual awards nor did he score any goals, but he didn’t fail to show up. Messi, again, played a key role for the Catalan club in their 3-1 victory against the Old Lady.
His most notable contribution that day was his shot from the edge of the box in the 68th minute of the game, which was parried away by Gianluigi Buffon, but Luis Suarez was at hand to put the ball into the net and give his side the lead. An injury time goal from Neymar helped seal the game for the La Liga winners. During the course of the game, Messi attempted three shots, but only one of them was on target, while the diminutive forward also made one key pass.
