01.05.2007 17:34
Two years since Messi’s first goal
David Puig
Lionel Messi scored his first goal for FC Barcelona on May 1, 2005 when he netted against Albacete in the 34th league game of the season.
It was two years ago that the 19-year-old made his first impression as he scored in his seventh
appearance for the club as he continued to alternate between the first team and the Barça B team
under coach Frank Rijkaard. Since making his debut against Espanyol on Montjuïc, the youngster has
not looked back and has only improved. The win against Albacete virtualy guaranteed the Blaugrana
the league title that season and left the Manchego-based outfit heading for the drop. Despite the
difference in the team's positions, the game was close and was only won by Barça thanks to goals
from Samuel Eto'o and Messi.
First effort
The Cameroonian striker netted the first goal after 66 minutes before Messi hit the target in
the 90th. The Argnetinian had actually only come on as a substitute for Eto'o in the 88th minute
and had the ball in the back of the net on two occasions. The first was ruled out by the
Madrilenian referee, Carlos Velasco Carballo. The second though did count. Messi received a long
pass from Ronaldinho and he lifted the ball over the Albacete goalkeeper and into the net. The goal
was celebrated long and hard by the 91,000 supporters inside Camp Nou.
Record breaker
From that night on, the progress of Messi has been remarkable. Although injuries have reduced
his chances over the past two seasons, the young star has still hit the net on a regular basis.
This term, Messi has already scored 11 times in official competitions, with eight coming in the
league. It is his best haul in a single campaign at the highest level to date. Arguably, the most
memorable goal that he has scored though came most recently as he ran from the halfway line,
beating several defenders along the way, before scoring against Getafe in the first leg of the Copa
del Rey semi final.
Unforgettable hat-trick
Lionel Messi will never forget the evening of March 10, 2007, when he scored all three goals in the
3-3 draw with Real Madrid in Camp Nou. It was the the 26th league game of the campaign and, as
always, a must-win encounter. Messi prevented the Blaugrana from losing with an injury time strike
that was not only the equaliser, but completed an incredible hat-trick against old enemy.