“In the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club, Messi restores Barcelona’s lead at 2–1 with the goal that ultimately secures the trophy, later standing out as his 91st career strike and the winner in his first major domestic cup final.”
In the Copa del Rey final, a 21-year-old Messi drives Barcelona’s comeback with a goal and a precise assist, turning a tense showpiece into his first domestic cup triumph as a rising leader of the Guardiola era.