FCBARCELONA.CAT

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.