Majestic Messi's 'work of art'

Majestic Messi's 'work of art'

FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been renamed 'Messidona' by Spanish newspaper Marca after his spectacular goal against Getafe CF evoked memories of Diego Maradona's famous strike for Argentina in the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

'Foot of God'The 19-year-old took a starring role in Barcelona's 5-2 victory against Getafe CF in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, although it was the first of his double that captured the imagination of the 53,599 Camp Nou spectators and the Spanish press. With Xavi Hernández having opened the scoring, Messi - as his compatriot Maradona had done in the World Cup quarter-finals 21 years ago - collected possession just inside his own half and proceeded to dribble past no fewer than six Getafe players before concluding his slalom by slotting in a goal that will live long in the memory. Mundo Deportivo headlined this morning's edition with

"The Foot of God"

and went on to say: "Messi transformed a simple cup match into a great occasion."
'Work of art'

"I saw I had space and I pushed forward," the Argentinian international said of his 29th-minute masterpiece. "It was quite good, my objective was the goal and I scored. I looked at Samuel Eto'o, but there were two defenders with him and I saw a space and went for it. It's a similar goal to Diego's, though I can't compare myself to him." Messi's coach Frank Rijkaard, for whom Eidur Gudjohsen and Eto'o were also on target, was more effusive: "Messi's goal was a work of art. He's a very talented player and scored a wonderful goal. It's true it's very similar to Maradona's goal, but I think Messi accelerated even more."
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uefa.com users will get the chance to quiz Messi about his wondrous strike, his hopes for the rest of the season and beyond, and much more. The best questions sent in this week will be asked to Messi, with his answers published in uefa.com's Magazine on Friday 27 April. When you send your question – by emailing info@uefa.com with the subject line 'Lionel Messi' – please remember to include your name.
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SEE THE GOAL OF THE MAJESTIC LEO MESSI