Celtic supporters were left puzzled after noticing a significant oversight in a recent STV Sports report concerning Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. While the report highlighted Messi's last appearance at Celtic Park in 2016, fans were quick to point out that it failed to mention one of the most memorable moments in the player's history at the venue.
The STV report accurately noted that Messi trained and played at Celtic Park in 2016, where he scored two goals in a 2-0 victory for Barcelona. However, many Celtic fans felt that this focus on the more recent match overshadowed Messi's earlier and more iconic performances against their team.
Throughout his illustrious career, Messi faced Celtic six times, with three of those encounters taking place at Parkhead. His first visit came in 2008 when he was just 20 years old, scoring twice in a thrilling 3-2 Champions League win for Barcelona. This match marked the beginning of Messi's storied relationship with the Scottish club.
However, the highlight of Messi's visits to Celtic Park occurred on November 7, 2012, when he played a pivotal role in a match that remains etched in the memory of Celtic fans. On that night, under the management of Neil Lennon, Celtic pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset against the Catalan giants. Messi did score Barcelona's only goal that evening, but it was the defeat that resonated most with the Celtic faithful, as it represented a historic triumph over one of the world's best teams.
Adding to the significance of that goal, it was Messi's first as a father, having welcomed his son Thiago just days prior. This personal milestone, coupled with the defeat, made the match particularly memorable for both Messi and Celtic supporters.
Messi's history in Scotland also includes a goalless draw against Rangers in 2007, where he played the full 90 minutes. He returned to Scotland the following summer for a series of friendlies, scoring in a 6-0 victory over Hibernian at Murrayfield and netting a hat-trick in a 5-1 win against Dundee United at Tannadice.
The 2016 match marked Messi's final appearance on Scottish soil, where he again showcased his talent with a brace that secured Barcelona's victory. Despite this, many Celtic fans believe that Messi's legacy in Scotland is defined not just by his goals, but by the unforgettable moments that occurred during his visits, particularly the historic defeat in 2012.
As fans engage in discussions about Messi's impact on Celtic's history, the omission by STV serves as a reminder of the rich narrative surrounding the Argentine's encounters with the club. The memories of these matches continue to resonate, highlighting the passion and pride of Celtic supporters.
Leave a Comment