According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 23, 2026, Lionel Messi has identified the goals that mean the most to him throughout his remarkable football career, following a question about the two best strikes among the 936 goals he has scored for club and country.

The Inter Miami captain admitted that selecting his favourite goals was not an easy task because of the many unforgettable moments he experienced while representing Barcelona and Argentina. However, when discussing the goals that carry the greatest emotional and historical significance, he pointed to his achievements at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE in Oviedo ahead of receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, Messi explained that his goals against France in the World Cup final stand above the others because of the occasion and what winning the tournament meant to him and his country.

Argentina played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with France at Lusail Stadium before securing the trophy through a penalty shootout. Messi scored twice during the final, helping his team overcome a difficult contest and eventually lift the World Cup after years of international disappointment.

Explaining his decision, the Argentine forward 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.”

While Messi was confident about his choice for Argentina, he struggled to identify one particular goal from his Barcelona career. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored numerous memorable strikes during his time at the Spanish club, making the decision considerably more complicated.

Discussing his options, he stated: “As for Barcelona, I might choose a goal from a Champions League final, an El Clásico, or another particularly important match,” highlighting the significance of the major occasions that shaped his career.

Among his most celebrated Barcelona goals were his header against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final, which Barcelona won 2-0, and his contributions during the 2011 final against the same opponents. His brilliant solo goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals also remains one of his most memorable performances.

Messi has previously given different answers when discussing his greatest goals. In 2023, he described his solo effort against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu as his most beautiful goal, while reserving special importance for his World Cup final achievement. In 2025, he also selected his header against Manchester United in 2009 as his best strike.

The football legend is attending the award ceremony in Oviedo, where Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia are expected to be present. The honour carries additional emotional significance following the death of his father, Jorge, in August, as Messi recalled that his father had been eager to witness him receive the prestigious recognition.