THOUGH HE MADE his Barcelona debut in October 2004, Lionel Messi properly began to regularly feature in the starting line-up from the start of the 2006/2007 season.
And late in the campaign, he conjured a sublime moment that made the whole world stand up and take notice.
Facing Getafe in a Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg, Messi produced an almost direct-replica of Diego Maradona’s second goal against England in the 1986 World Cup, complete with mesmeric footwork to escape the challenges of two opponents.
Messi scored twice as Barcelona ran riot and won 5-2. But, almost inexplicably, Frank Rijkaard’s side promptly collapsed in the reverse fixture, suffered a 4-0 second-leg defeat and crashed out.
The Barca team that played in that first-leg was as follows:
Jorquera, Zambrotta, Puyol, Márquez, Van Bronchorst, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta (Ezquerro, 83′), Messi(Saviola, 76′), Gudjohnsen (Oleguer, 66’), Eto’o.”
How many of those players can you remember? Any favourites?
