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8 years ago, a floppy-haired Argentine teenager announced himself on the world stage

Lionel Messi tore Getafe apart with a goal that drew instant comparisons with Diego Maradona.

THOUGH HE MADE his Barcelona debut in October 2004, Lionel Messi properly began to regularly feature in the starting line-up from the start of the 2006/2007 season.

And late in the campaign, he conjured a sublime moment that made the whole world stand up and take notice.

Facing Getafe in a Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg, Messi produced an almost direct-replica of Diego Maradona’s second goal against England in the 1986 World Cup, complete with mesmeric footwork to escape the challenges of two opponents.

TRIBALFOOTBALLDotCom / YouTube

Messi scored twice as Barcelona ran riot and won 5-2. But, almost inexplicably, Frank Rijkaard’s side promptly collapsed in the reverse fixture, suffered a 4-0 second-leg defeat and crashed out.

The Barca team that played in that first-leg was as follows:

Jorquera, Zambrotta, Puyol, Márquez, Van Bronchorst, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta (Ezquerro, 83′), Messi(Saviola, 76′), Gudjohnsen (Oleguer, 66’), Eto’o.”

How many of those players can you remember? Any favourites?

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Author
Eoin O'Callaghan
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