Lionel Messi believes his best ever goal is one that sank Man United fans’ hearts

Out of all the goals throughout his storied career, Lionel Messi had to choose this one as his best.

John O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar and legions of Manchester United fans will remember this Messi goal all too well.

Messi was asked a fairly difficult question during the interview – on his official website – to select his favourite goal among the 600+ he’s scored at club and international level.

His answer may bring open up a relatively old wound for Red Devils fans as it came during the 2009 Champions League final when Barcelona outclassed United to score a 2-0 victory and win the most coveted prize in European club football.

‘I always say that I consider the importance of the goal, more than for its beauty and so mine would be the first I scored in a Champions League final, with a header (against Manchester United in 2009), for the importance it had.”

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was caught flat-footed by the header, teed up to perfection by Xavi.

You can see United and Ireland defender John O’Shea going mad as Messi’s header loops over van der Sar. The fact that the diminutive Argentine had been allowed ghost into the box and beat the United goalkeeper to a cross six yards out from goal irked O’Shea.

Such was Barcelona’s quality, that night, there was n coming back for United.

*Updated from piece first published June 2016

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