WINNER – Lionel Messi vs Athletic Bilbao – 34%
With a drop of the shoulder, a swerve of the hips and a deft swing of his fabled left boot, Lionel Messi scored the equalising goal in a 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao, moving the Blaugrana one point closer to regaining the La Liga title. It was a truly astounding goal from the Argentine forward, and infamous English commentator Ray Hudson couldn’t contain his disbelief – "three players inside a telephone box, and he don’t care!"
Messi took on the world, and won; characterising Barcelona’s difficult season, as coach Tito Vilanova defied the odds to return from illness and lift the La Liga trophy. This was more than goal, for more than a club in more than a season – and a worthy winner of the 2012-2013 Barça Blaugranes Award for Best Individual Goal.
RUNNER-UP – Lionel Messi vs AC Milan – 26%
And Messi claimed the runners-up spot too, with this fantastic strike against AC Milan, which sparked a comeback that will be remembered for years to come. Even with relatively little space to work with, Messi remained true to his La Masia schooling, opting to make that extra give-and-go pass with teammates Xavi Hernández, before unleashing a perfect shot which left Milan keeper Christian Abbiati stranded in the centre of his goal.
BEST OF THE REST – Adriano Correia vs Atletico Madrid –17%
Thankfully Messi wasn’t able to claim third-place as well, as Adriano received deserved recognition for his golazo against Atletico Madrid. His equaliser was well-timed, well-struck and crucial to Barcelona’s eventual victory, which ultimately rounded off an excellent, record-breaking start to the season for Tito Vilanova’s side.
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