http://im.rediff.com/sports/2007/apr/19sld2.jpg
Messi does a Maradona
April 19, 2007
Messi received a pass from Xavi in his own half, dodged two players and sprinted towards the Getafe goal. He then swerved past two more defenders before rounding the keeper to score from a tight angle.
"I saw the space and went for it as I always do. I saw Samuel (Eto'o) was in a good position to do a one-two as I neared the area but with two defenders nearby, so I took it on myself," he explained.
http://im.rediff.com/sports/2007/apr/19sld3.jpg
The fact Messi's was in a King's Cup semi-final as opposed to a World Cup quarter-final was perhaps the only detracting factor from the youngster's strike, though he carried the ball at a greater pace.
The goal dominated the front page of Thursday's sports newspapers. Diagrams of the numbers of players passed and the distances covered were thrown up to make minute comparisons with Maradona's effort.
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Messi celebrates after scoring the outstanding goal.
According to a football enthusiast, 'Messi beat five players; he covered covering 48 metres in 12 seconds, taking 10 touches with his left foot and three with his right.
'Maradona beat six players, covering 62 metres in 11 seconds, taking 12 touches with his left foot only.'
Barcelona-based daily Sport said "Messi Superstar" on its front page while the Marca Web site led with "Messidona."
Coach Frank Rijkaard described the move as a "work of art."