02 September,2026 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronan Carvalho
Lionel Messi. Pic/AFP
If there was ever a goal that encapsulates Lionel Messi's ability to decide contests with his magic, it was this strike in the first minute of injury time against Iran in a group-stage match. Sensing that time was running out, the then Barcelona star drifted out to the right wing to collect the ball, dropped his shoulder, cut inside and unleashed a vicious curling shot from 25 yards out which evaded the diving goalkeeper and sealed a 1-0 victory.
Just before the Iran game, Messi produced another memorable moment in Argentina's campaign opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Interestingly, Messi had entered the tournament under pressure, having failed to score in the 2010 World Cup. But 65 minutes later, the critics were silenced. Messi drove forward with the ball at his feet from the halfway line, exchanged a quick one-two with Gonzalo Higuain, cut inside with a quick shimmy to send two defenders colliding with one another before unfurling a precise shot from the edge of the box that clipped the post and went it.
Argentina won 2-1.
This goal that demonstrated Messi's other-worldly skill came against Nigeria in the group stage. It began with Ever Banega producing a lovely chipped ball from Argentina's own half to Messi. The then 31-year-old expertly sprung Nigeria's off-side trap with a burst of pace and then controlled the ball with his thigh before producing the deftest of touches with his left boot to set up a shooting opportunity as he glided into the box. He then unleashed a powerful shot into the top left corner, as La Albiceleste emerged 2-1 victors.
First game - vs Hungary (August 17, 2005)
First goal - vs Croatia (March 1, 2006)
First World Cup match and goal - vs Serbia & Montenegro (June 16, 2006)
First match as captain - vs Greece (June 22, 2010)
First title - Copa America, beat Brazil 1-0 in the final (August 10, 2021)
