According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday October 23, 2026, Lionel Messi has revealed which goals hold the greatest significance in his illustrious career after being asked to name the two best strikes from the 936 goals he has scored for club and country.

The Inter Miami forward admitted that choosing his favourite goals was extremely difficult, given the number of memorable moments he has produced for Barcelona and Argentina.

Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE in Oviedo ahead of receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, Messi eventually identified his goals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against France as the most important of his career.

The Argentine superstar scored twice in the final at Lusail Stadium as Argentina played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with France before winning the trophy on penalties.

Explaining his choice, Messi said: “But with the national team, I would probably pick a goal from the World Cup final, because of what it meant, the moment it came, and the importance of the match.”

However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner found it harder to select a favourite goal from his time at Barcelona, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in football history.

Rather than naming a particular strike, Messi suggested that a goal from a Champions League final, an El Clasico encounter or another important match could make the list.

“As for Barcelona, I might choose a goal from a Champions League final, an El Clásico, or another particularly important match,” he explained.

Messi scored several iconic goals during his Barcelona career, including a memorable header against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final, which Barcelona won 2-0 in Rome.

He also scored in the 2011 Champions League final against United and produced a stunning solo effort against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the same competition.

The Argentine has previously offered different answers when asked about his favourite goal. In 2023, he identified his solo goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu as the most beautiful of his career, while describing his World Cup final goal as the most important.

In another interview in 2025, he selected his header against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final as his best goal.

Messi is in Oviedo to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports at a ceremony attended by Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia.

The occasion also carries personal significance for the football legend, who recently lost his father, Jorge, in August. Messi recalled that his father had been eager to see him receive the prestigious honour.