Lionel Messi has chosen his most cherished goal, a header scored in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final, during which Barcelona faced Manchester United. The match took place at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, where Messi’s goal contributed to a 2-0 victory for his team. This remarkable moment was initiated by a failed clearance from United’s goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, followed by a crucial play involving Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto’o, leading to Messi’s iconic leap and finish.

“When asked to name his favorite goal of his career, Leo Messi picked his iconic header in the 2009 UCL final against Manchester United. He chose this goal as part of a “A Goal in Life” charity campaign, where artist @refikanadol will transform the moment into a work of art ✨ pic.twitter.com/pYkH4X6yvT” — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 22, 2025

Messi described this goal as profoundly significant, stating, “Because of the moment it happened, because of what it meant, because it crowned an unforgettable year, for me, it’s the most meaningful goal of all.”

In that encounter, Messi was named man of the match, securing his second of four Champions League titles and marking the beginning of a treble-winning season for Barcelona. It also represented their only major final match against Cristiano Ronaldo, who participated for United on that occasion.