The Barcelona talisman had not scored in his career against the Blues but finally broke his duck to tie up the score in the Champions League tie
It took him nine games, but Lionel Messi has finally broken through against Chelsea.
The Barcelona talisman scored his first career goal against the Blues in a big moment, finding the net in the 75th minute to level the scoreline at 1-1 at Stamford Bridge and cancel out Willian's earlier strike.
He was the benefactor of a bad giveaway by Chelsea at the edge of their own area, which was pounced on by Andres Iniesta. The playmaker pulled it back for Messi who did not miss the opportunity and netted Barcelona a crucial away goal.
The game ultimately finished 1-1, with Barcelona having the opportunity to take advantage in the second leg at the Camp Nou on March 14.
Chelsea had been one of the 12 teams that the Barcelona star had faced in his career without scoring against, and one of two remaining in the current Champions League.
Messi's duck against the Blues was not for lack of trying as the goal came on the 30th shot Messi had taken against them in his career.
The equalizer was Messi's 18th goal against English opposition in the Champions League, by far the most of any player. Rival Cristiano Ronaldo is second with 11.
30 - Lionel Messi has scored his first-ever goal against Chelsea in nine appearances, netting with his 30th shot against them. Finally. #CHEBAR
The goal also means Messi has now scored in 61 of his 122 Champions League contests.
Messi could in take his list of teams he has not scored against down to 10 later this week, should he find the back of the net against La Liga side Girona.
And should Barcelona advance past Chelsea, Messi may get another chance to knock a team off that list. Liverpool is one of that group, and look likely to be in the Champions League quarter-final round after 5-0 first leg win against Porto.
Latest Stories
-
I will make you millionaires – Bawumia assures small scale miners
14 mins -
Majority caucus requests reconvening of Parliament
17 mins -
Today’s front pages: Friday, May 3, 2024
1 hour -
CAFCC: USM Alger file appeal at CAS to contest CAF’s decisions on RS Berkane jersey
2 hours -
Africa’s Outstanding Professional, Engr. Ebenezer Kwadjo Dankyi
2 hours -
Edudzi Tameklo insists Cecilia Dapaah’s case requires FBI’s findings for completeness
3 hours -
Deloitte Ghana wins Africa ESG Company of the Year 2024
3 hours -
Medical Laboratory Professionals threaten to strike over conditions of service
5 hours -
Residents of Anloga, Keta express frustration over ECG billing
6 hours -
I don’t believe in praying in tongues – Strongman
6 hours -
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
6 hours -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
6 hours -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
7 hours -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
7 hours -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
7 hours