FC Barcelona: Barca Blaugranes Awards: Best Individual Goal

After taking a day off yesterday, I felt that Monday was a great day to hand out the next award. Just to recap the previous winners, we had Messi winning best player, and Mascherano winning best signing.

Next up on my list was best individual goal, and considering the wealth of individual talent this team possesses, it was great fun trying to find my favourite. As with the others, we will provide you with a poll to vote for your favourite, and the winner of that will be featured in our reader’s awards.

So, without further ado, the winner is...

Real Madrid vs Barcelona (2-0) - Messi 2nd Goal - 27/04/11 HD Champions League Semi-Final (via epicblog123)

It was a close one, but Lionel Messi is the victor once again. Everyone remembers this goal vividly, after all it was mere weeks ago, but it won’t hurt to describe it once again.

Already 1-0 up in the tie, courtesy of another goal by Messi, Barcelona were dominating their arch rivals in this Champions League semi-final first leg. Pepe’s controversial sending off had changed the game completely, and Messi was reaping the reward. He played a fizzing pass to Sergio Busquets, who merely controlled it, and let Messi take it back.

40 yards from goal, no problem...surely?

This was Messi however.

First up was Lassana Diarra, who was trying to keep pace with the Argentine, not today, as Messi cut inside him, and Lass had to back out, or else it would have been a foul.

Next obstacle was Sergio Ramos, but he was caught completely flat-footed.

Raul Albiol tried in vain to stop Messi, but it was too late, he was gone.

In came Marcelo, but he couldn’t stop him either, back out of a challenge so as not to give away a penalty.

Then, Sergio Ramos, ever a glutton for punishment tried again, but Messi was too quick, both in mind, and feet, as he stroked the ball delicately past the on-rushing Iker Casillas.

It was a goal for the ages, by a player that will surely define this generation, and could go on to be the best of any era.

Well done Lionel Messi, you have won the best individual goal award!

The other "nominees" that were suggested by the Barca Blaugranes writers include this incredible volley by Dani Alves (my personal favourite):

Dani Alves Wonder Goal vs Getafe {HQ} 2011.20.03 (via GoalTVHD)

The curling drive by David Villa in the Champions League final:

David Villa goal vs Manchester United 28.05.2011 Final match (via mahir10gaucho)

Please vote for your favourite below! Next up is the best team goal...

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