Relive Lionel Messi’s legendary last-minute goal against Real Madrid in El Clásico and his unforgettable shirt celebration. A moment that defined football history!

Lionel Messi’s Last-Minute Goal vs. Real Madrid: The Iconic Shirt Celebration

Some moments in football transcend rivalries and become legendary. On April 23, 2017, Lionel Messi delivered one of the most iconic moments in El Clásico history.

📍 Match: Real Madrid 🆚 Barcelona
📅 Date: April 23, 2017
🏟️ Venue: Santiago Bernabéu

⚽ Messi scored a dramatic last-minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory for Barcelona.
⚽ He removed his shirt and held it up to the Madrid crowd—an iconic celebration that will never be forgotten.

Let’s break down this unforgettable moment, from the buildup to the goal and its lasting impact.

1. The Build-Up: A High-Stakes El Clásico

El Clásico always carries intensity, passion, and drama, but this match was extra special.

🔥 Why Was This Match So Important?

✅ La Liga Title Race: Real Madrid and Barcelona were battling for the league title. A win for Madrid would give them a huge advantage.
✅ Messi vs. Ronaldo: The eternal rivalry between the two greatest players of their generation.
✅ Santiago Bernabéu Atmosphere: Madrid’s home crowd was expecting a victory to seal their dominance.

Before Messi’s moment of magic, the game had already delivered incredible action.

2. The Match: A Thrilling Back-and-Forth Battle

📅 28’ – GOAL! 1-0 (Casemiro, Real Madrid)

Marcelo delivered a cross, Sergio Ramos hit the post, and Casemiro tapped in the rebound.
The Bernabéu erupted as Madrid took the lead.

📅 33’ – GOAL! 1-1 (Lionel Messi, Barcelona)

Messi dribbled past two defenders and calmly slotted the ball past Keylor Navas.
It was Messi’s 500th career goal—but he wasn’t done yet.

📅 73’ – GOAL! 1-2 (Ivan Rakitić, Barcelona)

Rakitić curled a brilliant left-footed shot into the net.
Barcelona were in control, and Madrid looked in trouble.

📅 77’ – RED CARD! (Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid)

Ramos received a straight red card for a reckless two-footed challenge on Messi.
Madrid were down to 10 men, but they refused to give up.

📅 85’ – GOAL! 2-2 (James Rodríguez, Real Madrid)

James Rodríguez equalized, sending the Bernabéu into celebration.
With just 5 minutes left, it looked like Madrid had saved the game.

But Messi had one more trick up his sleeve…

3. The Moment of Magic: Messi’s Last-Minute Winner

📅 92’ – GOAL! 2-3 (Lionel Messi, Barcelona)

Sergi Roberto started a brilliant counterattack, running from Barcelona’s penalty area.
André Gomes passed to Jordi Alba, who cut the ball back perfectly to Messi.
Messi, with his legendary left foot, curled the ball past Keylor Navas.
The clock read 92:48. The last-second goal stunned the entire stadium.

Messi’s Legendary Shirt Celebration

After scoring, Messi did something unforgettable:

🚀 He took off his shirt and held it up to the Madrid crowd.
🔥 It was a statement. A declaration of dominance.
📸 That image became one of the most iconic moments in football history.

The Bernabéu was in complete silence—except for the celebration of Barcelona players and fans.

4. Why Was This Goal So Special?

Messi’s last-minute winner was more than just a goal. It was a moment that:

✅ Sealed Barcelona’s victory at the Bernabéu.
✅ Kept the La Liga title race alive.
✅ Showed why Messi was the best player in the world.
✅ Created one of football’s most iconic celebrations.

Messi’s composure, precision, and confidence under pressure were unmatched.

5. The Aftermath: Reactions & Legacy

🎙️ Reactions from the Football World

🗣️ Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona):
“Messi always delivers in the biggest moments. He is the best ever.”

🗣️ Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid Manager):
“We played well, but when you have Messi on the pitch, anything can happen.”

🗣️ Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid):
“He was the difference today. That’s what great players do.”

6. The Impact of Messi’s Goal

🏆 1. Barcelona’s La Liga Title Hopes Revived

The victory put Barcelona level on points with Real Madrid.
It gave them the momentum to fight for the title until the end.

🔥 2. The Rivalry Between Messi & Ronaldo Intensified

Messi and Ronaldo’s competition was at its peak.
This goal added another chapter to their legendary rivalry.

📸 3. One of the Greatest Football Photos Ever

The image of Messi holding his shirt at the Bernabéu is one of football’s most famous pictures.
It represents greatness, confidence, and history.

7. Why This Moment Will Never Be Forgotten

✅ Messi’s goal was a masterpiece under extreme pressure.
✅ It was one of the greatest last-minute winners in El Clásico history.
✅ His shirt celebration became legendary.
✅ It was another proof of why Messi is one of football’s greatest icons.

📌 Years later, fans still talk about this moment. It was football at its finest.

8. Conclusion: A Goal That Defined a Legend

🏆 Lionel Messi delivered one of the greatest moments in football history.
🏆 His last-minute goal against Real Madrid was pure magic.
🏆 The iconic shirt celebration cemented his legacy forever.

📢 Do you think this was Messi’s greatest El Clásico moment? Let us know your thoughts!

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