#2 UCL Final v Manchester United (2009)
The stage was set on May 27, 2009, for the final at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Messi was named man of the match in this one after a clinical performance. United dominated the opening minutes but it was the Catalans who took the lead in the 10th minute through Samuel Eto'o who toe-poked the ball past Edwin van der Sar.
In the 74th minute, United had committed players forward in search of an equaliser and became vulnerable at the back. Carlos Puyol made a timely interception and pushed the ball forward. Xavi expertly crossed the ball for Messi to score with a looping header past the 6 ft 6 in Dutch goalkeeper. What was impressive is Messi had to take a step back and alleviate his jump given his mere 5 ft 6 frame.
#1 Wonder goal v Getafe (2007)
Messi scored one of his finest ever goals on April 18, 2007, in the Spanish Cup semi-final against Getafe. He initiated his trademark run from the halfway line, dribbled past five players and danced his way past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari before scoring. This moment set the whole Camp Nou alight.
Messi's goal was likened to fellow Argentine Diego Maradona's effort against England in the 1986 World Cup. Barcelona won the match 5-2 with Messi scoring a goal that would be an epitome of his talent.