The term Ankara Messi conjures up the magic of Lionel Messi’s iconic goal in the 2007 Copa del Rey semifinal against Getafe. Embarking on a solo run from his own half, Messi, in his Messi jersey, mesmerizingly dribbled past six players, including the goalkeeper, in a moment that echoed Maradona’s ‘Goal of the Century’. Ankara Messi meaning in English translates to ‘still Messi’, a phrase that was repeated by Spanish commentator Joaquim Maria Puyal more than 10 times during Messi’s solo run.
15 years later, Messi stands as the reigning world champion, an 8-time Ballon d’Or winner, and is often celebrated as the greatest of all time. Remarkably, at 35, he was a key figure in the last World Cup, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists, leading to his team’s triumph. Messi’s career is studded with numerous legendary goals, making it a Herculean task to single out just one as the best. For more insights into Messi’s favorite goals, many of which were scored while wearing the Barcelona jersey, check out our exclusive article detailing his personal favorites:
The Journey to the Semifinals
The 2006/2007 Copa del Rey was a season of memorable football, marked by the journeys of two contrasting teams: Barcelona, a club synonymous with excellence, and Getafe, an emerging contender.
Barcelona, entering the knockout phase in the round of 32, displayed their prowess against Badalona with an aggregate score of 6-1, followed by a confident victory over Alavés in the round of 16, securing a 5-2 aggregate win. Their path to the semifinals saw a challenging face-off against Zaragoza in the quarterfinals. Despite a 1-0 setback in the first leg at Camp Nou, they bounced back with a 2-1 victory in the return leg in Zaragoza with early goals from Xavi and Iniesta, showcasing their resilience and tactical acumen.
Lionel Messi, a rising star, joined the fray in the quarterfinals. Although he didn’t score against Zaragoza, his presence was increasingly felt. His first goal in the tournament, famously known as the ‘Ankara Messi’ goal, marked the beginning of his illustrious journey in the Copa del Rey that season. This legendary strike against Getafe was a sign of the greatness to come from the young phenom.
Getafe’s journey in the Copa del Rey was equally captivating. Starting in the round of 32, they overcame Xerez with an aggregate score of 3-2, followed by a remarkable victory against Valencia in the round of 16, where they triumphed 5-3 on aggregate. Their quarterfinal encounter with Osasuna further showcased their determination and tactical discipline, securing their place in the semifinals with a 3-1 aggregate win. Getafe’s advancement to the later stages of the tournament was not just a surprise but a testament to their growing capabilities and tenacity as a team.
Barcelona vs Getafe: A Semifinal to Remember
The Copa del Rey semifinal first leg on 18 April 2007 between Barcelona and Getafe was more than just a football match; it was a surprising and thrilling encounter. On one side stood Barcelona, a team known for its footballing prowess, and on the other, Getafe, an unexpected but formidable opponent. This matchup promised excitement and did not disappoint, giving birth to the ‘Ankara Messi’ moment, a game full of unexpected turns and memorable moments. As we look back at this clash, we’re reminded of the unpredictable nature of football and how any match can turn into a classic.
The Birth of Ankara Messi
The first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal at Camp Nou unfolded like a script from a footballing epic. Messi, after assisting Xavi in the 18th minute, went on to etch his name in football lore. The Ankara Messi goal, a term coined from the repeated exclamation of the Spanish commentator meaning ‘still,’ captured the essence of Messi’s run in the iconic blaugrana Barcelona jersey. This moment, where Messi, at the tender age of 19, scored what would become one of his most legendary goals, was a portrayal of his extraordinary talent.
Veteran Spanish journalist Joaquim Maria Puyal, repeating ‘Ankara Messi’ 14 times in just 7 seconds, perfectly encapsulated the indescribable wonder of the goal.
Watch the Ankara Messi goal with English commentary (for the Ankara Messi commentary, please scroll back to the beginning of the article):
A Match of Highs and Lows
The semifinal clash at Camp Nou, initially dominated by Barcelona, turned into a breathtaking spectacle of football. After Messi’s sensational goal, famously dubbed the ‘Ankara Messi goal’, and Xavi’s opener, which came off Messi’s assist, Barcelona looked comfortably in control with a 3-0 lead at the break. However, the second half unfolded in a dramatically different manner. Getafe, showing remarkable resilience, clawed back into the game with two quick goals within fifteen minutes, bringing an unexpected edge to the match’s finale.
Despite the pressure, Barcelona managed to regain composure. Gudjohnsen and Eto’o found the net, extending Barcelona’s lead to a reassuring 5-2 for the second leg. This rollercoaster of a match, a display of footballing brilliance and unpredictability, can be relived in the full match summary, where Messi’s second goal stands out as a highlight:
The return leg at Getafe’s home ground painted a starkly different picture, one without the presence of Lionel Messi. Despite Barcelona fielding a strong lineup including the likes of Eto’o, Ronaldinho, Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol, the match unfolded as a significant upset. The hosts, Getafe, dismantled Barcelona with a decisive 4-0 victory. This remarkable turnaround meant that despite the magic of ‘Ankara Messi goal’, it was Getafe who triumphantly advanced to the final. There, they faced Sevilla, a formidable opponent who ultimately secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe, capturing the Copa del Rey title.
Messi #10 Inter Miami CF 22/23 Home Jersey
Ankara Messi: A Tribute to Maradona
Lionel Messi, throughout his illustrious career, has often paid homage to the legendary Diego Maradona, with tributes that resonated deeply in the football world. This was particularly evident in the match following Maradona’s passing, where Messi’s commemoration was not just a gesture, but a powerful statement of respect and admiration.
One of the most striking tributes, albeit unconsciously, was what is now referred to as the ‘Ankara Messi goal’. This phenomenal goal, while not deliberately intended as a homage, has been widely compared to Maradona’s iconic World Cup goal against England, hailed by many as the goal of the century. Such is the resemblance between the two that it has inspired numerous comparative analyses and videos, like this one:
Examining the intricacies of the ‘Ankara Messi’ goal, one can’t help but notice how closely it mirrors Maradona’s World Cup brilliance. Messi, in his Barcelona jersey, emulated the legendary moves of Maradona, who adorned the Argentina jersey, with remarkable precision. From skilfully navigating past defenders to the audacious finish, Messi’s goal paralleled Maradona’s, right from the start of his solo run from his own half.
Whether it was a conscious homage or a moment of inspired play, the ‘Ankara Messi’ goal stands as a significant moment in football history. It transcends the context of the match, immortalizing itself as a symbol of admiration for Maradona and his unforgettable goal in the Argentina jersey. While the outcome of Getafe’s second-leg victory might be a vivid memory for only their most dedicated fans, the ‘Ankara Messi’ goal remains etched in the annals of football, symbolizing the connection between two of Argentina’s greatest football talents.
Messi’s Marvelous Debut in El Clasico
In the 2006/2007 season, Messi’s first full season with Barca, his impact in La Liga was profound. Scoring 14 goals and providing 2 assists, he was pivotal to Barcelona’s campaign. His performance in his first-ever El Clasico was a testament to his burgeoning talent, where he scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Camp Nou, salvaging a point for Barcelona. However, the season ended in disappointment for Barcelona, as they finished trophyless.
La Liga was clinched by Real Madrid, who edged out Barcelona based on head-to-head records in one of the league’s most enthralling seasons. The title race came down to the wire, with a dramatic twist in the final round when Mallorca, holding Real Madrid to a draw until the 80th minute, conceded a goal in a chaotic sequence, crowning Real Madrid as champions.
Beyond Ankara Messi goal: His Legendary Goals in Various Jerseys
Messi’s career, adorned with the Argentina jersey, the Messi Inter Miami jersey, and the Barcelona jersey, is a saga of countless legendary goals.
From silencing 90,000 Madrid fans at the Bernabeu in the dying seconds to his defining goals against Brazil in the Argentina jersey, Messi’s knack for the extraordinary is unparalleled. His recent exploits in the Messi Inter Miami jersey, including a spectacular long-range goal and last-minute free-kicks on the soccer field, have added to his legend, contributing to Inter Miami’s quest for their first-ever cup triumph.
Qatar 2022’s Iconic Moments Where Messi’s Jersey Shone Brightest
Discover all the unforgettable Argentine moments, from ‘que miras bobo’ to ‘todos somos Montiel,’ where Messi’s Argentina jersey shone the brightest! Check out our extensive media summary of Argentina’s iconic highlights from Qatar 2022.