Lionel Messi has chosen his favorite career goal, identifying the header scored during the 2009 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United as the standout moment.

Messi found the net in the 70th minute, extending Barcelona’s lead to 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The goal was initiated by an errant clearance from United’s goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, which was intercepted by Carles Puyol, who then passed it to Samuel Eto’o. Eto’o crossed the ball to Messi, who headed it home.

“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 stated, “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.” This goal contributed to his being named man of the match and helped secure one of his four Champions League titles with Barcelona, marking the beginning of a remarkable treble-winning campaign. It was also their only significant final in which he faced off against Cristiano Ronaldo, who participated in the entirety of the match for United.

Currently, at 37 years of age, Messi’s selection is part of a charitable initiative from the IMCF Foundation, which has commissioned Refik Anadol to create an artistic representation of the goal.