“Against Chile in a crucial World Cup qualifier, Messi glances up from the edge of the box and threads a precise left-foot finish just inside the far post, calmly doubling Argentina’s lead and sealing the eventual winner for career goal 212.”
In the opening match of Argentina’s gruelling 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, Messi extends his hot scoring streak with a goal and assist, leading a confident home statement against fellow contenders Chile as the team leans fully into a Messi‑centred era.
In a tense El Clásico Champions League semi-final deadlocked at 0–0, Messi latches onto Afellay’s low cross to break Madrid’s resistance and give Barcelona a crucial first-leg lead, on the way to a brace and his 35th Champions League goal.
With Argentina’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance in Quito, Messi restores a 2–1 lead over Ecuador on the way to a rescue hat-trick, his second strike of the night and 20th goal in World Cup qualifiers.
Against fierce rivals Uruguay in a tense World Cup qualifier, Messi breaks the first-half deadlock for Argentina’s only goal of the match, a vital strike in a turbulent campaign that also becomes his 16th goal in World Cup qualifying and 512th of his career.
In his 700th senior appearance, Messi breaks the deadlock in the Copa del Rey final against Alavés after combining with Neymar, setting Barcelona on their way to the trophy and adding yet another landmark goal to his haul.