Memorable moments: Messi’s breathtaking solo against Getafe mimics Maradona

It has been fifteen years since the then nineteen-year-old Lionel Messi captivated the Camp Nou with a slalom through the poor Getafe defence. He took the ball in his own half and drove it towards the opposition goal. In a striking imitation of Diego Maradona and his 1986 action.

It was 2007 and the supremely talented youngster from Rosario, Argentina, was still wearing the number 19 on his back. At that time, Barcelona were still dragged by Ronaldinho, Deco or Samuel Eto’o.

The Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe at Camp Nou – 55,000 fans watching the Blaugranas take a promising 1-0 lead. Messi takes the ball from Xavi on the right touchline, he hasn’t even crossed the halfway line yet.

The Getafe players, in an exemplary manner, immediately after winning the ball, press the youngster, but it is of no use to them. Messi rounds one player, cribs the other and is already tearing straight for goalkeeper Luis García.

In front of the whitewash, he makes a left tackle on stopper Paredes, a right tackle on teammate Belenguer, and both stay down.

The visitors’ goalkeeper runs out to reduce the shooting angle, but the shifty Messi, taking a cue from Maradona, takes a shot and puts the ball past García and clears the ball into the net in front of an empty net and defender Cortés slides in with his right foot.

The Camp Nou crowd goes wild, aware that they have just witnessed an extraordinary goal and that the ungainly chic with the long hair is an equally extraordinary footballer.

The incredible slalom that the now thirty-five-year-old Messi performed back then was reminiscent of his predecessor, Diego Armando Maradona. It was the divine Diego who did something remarkably similar in 1986 against England.

The home side eventually brought the game to a successful conclusion and were able to celebrate a 5-2 victory and qualification to the Spanish Cup final. It should be added, in Barcelona’s jersey, in addition to Messi’s two goals, Xavi, Eto’o and Gudjohnsen also made their mark.

It should be noted that the now legendary Argentine’s goal is still one of the best of his career and was one of the first to send a clear signal to the football world.

Sources: Bleacher Report, FC Barcelona