Lionel Messi all-time top ten goals

Jun 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (10) during the first half of quarter-final play against the Venezuela in the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (10) during the first half of quarter-final play against the Venezuela in the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
9 of 11
Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates after scoring next to Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the ‘El Clasico’ Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, on April 10, 2010. (Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates after scoring next to Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the ‘El Clasico’ Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, on April 10, 2010. (Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)

Real Madrid CF – April 2010

As one of the biggest football clubs on the planet, Barcelona’s matches across all competitions feel like massive occasions. But when it comes to El Clasico, the stakes are even higher. But even on an intense stage, Lionel Messi manages to shine against the best of the best.

Real Madrid were focused on stopping Messi in Barcelona’s visit to the Bernabeu, but he opened the scoring in the first half en route to a 2-0 victory.

Los Blancos utlised a physical approach, and had put the pressure on Messi early. But the Flea struck back in the 33rd minute to silence the home supporters. Timing his run towards goal exceptionally, he takes the pass off his chest and turns a defender as he moves to his right.

Despite the defence’s best efforts, Messi gives the Blaugrana an early lead by slotting home past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

That season saw Barcelona and manager Pep Guardiola amass an astounding 99 points and capture a league title. The Cules lost only one match in 38, falling 2-1 at the Estadio Vicente Calderon against Atletico Madrid.

A truly special collection of talent, Lionel Messi’s fighting spirit against Real Madrid was an excellent summary of what drove the club toward success.