Top 10 most iconic Lionel Messi performances of the decade

Modified Dec 26, 2019 11:18 GMT

#7 LaLiga 2013-14: Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona

Messi exults after scoring at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid

Defending champions Barcelona traveled to the Bernabeu to face a side unbeaten in 31 home games in all competitions - which included a 17-game winning run. But both streaks were to come to a close at the end of the game.

After Andres Iniesta's opener for the visitors, Messi's first of the game cancelled out Karim Benzema's quickfire double. The teams headed to the break at two goals apiece.

Cristiano Ronaldo restored Madrid's lead from the spot early into the second period but Messi's successful spot-kick on the hour mark once again brought the visitors on level terms. Sergio Ramos' 73rd minute red card changed things, and allowed Barcelona to press for all three points.

The Blaugrana did exactly that when a foul on Iniesta inside the Madrid box allowed Messi to convert his second spot-kick of the game - which also proved to be the final denouement of a seven-goal back-and-forth thriller. It was Messi's second consecutive hat-trick in a Liga game, having netted three against Osasuna, and the diminutive Argentinian moved into sole second place in the all-time Liga scoring charts.

#8 LaLiga 2017-18: Barcelona 6-1 Eibar

Messi takes the plaudits after scoring 4 against Eibar in a Liga game

Messi's successful spot-kick opened the scoring for Barcelona midway through the first half in the 2017-18 Liga home game against Eibar.

Following further goals from Paulinho and Denis Suarez, and Eibar's sole reply courtesy Sergi Enrich, Messi restored Barca's three-goal cushion on the cusp of the hour mark.

An assist from Paulinho allowed Messi to register his second Liga hat-trick of the season. Three minutes from time, Messi completed his 4th Liga quadruple as Barcelona eased to a comfortable 6-1 win.

In the process, the Argentina captain registered his 300th home goal in all competitions for the Catalan club.