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Published 12:24 IST, May 11th 2020

Revisiting Lionel Messi's 'Hand of God' moment when Barcelona faced Espanyol

Lionel Messi scored one of the most controversial goals in his football career against Espanyol, replicating the Hand of God goal scored by Maradona in 1986.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest football star to grace the game. Since his emergence onto the scene, the Barcelona man has often been compared to his Argentina compatriot and football legend Diego Maradona. One incident particularly led to an intense comparison between the two - the Hand of God goal. 

Also Read | Lionel Messi leads his Barcelona teammates back in first training session after lockdown

Lionel Messi Hand of God moment vs Espanyol

Diego Maradona was involved in one of the most controversial goals when his famous 'Hand of God' goal led to England's defeat in the FIFA World Cup final 1986. A similar controversy erupted when Barcelona played against Espanyol in 2007 as a young Lionel Messi was on the rise. In that game, Messi reproduced the controversial Hand of God moment, eerily reproducing Maradona's Hand of God.

Lionel Messi Hand of God moment

Barcelona were trailing by a goal against Espanyol until the 43rd minute. Just then, Lionel Messi came to the fore, albeit with his hand, thus reproducing his own version of the Hand of God moment. Although the Espanyol players reported the mishappening to the referee, the official paid no heed to their claims and the Messi Hand of God goal was allowed. 

Also Read | Lionel Messi and his teammates return to Barcelona training after two months in quarantine

Lionel Messi Hand of God moment

Lionel Messi went on to score again in the second half. However, the game ended in a 2-2 draw after Espanyol scored a deserved equaliser in the injury time to bag a point from the game. Meanwhile, Maradona's Hand of God moment won his side the World Cup, although controversially. 

Also Read | Barcelona ready to offer €60m plus two players to sign Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez

LaLiga return by mid-June?

Amid suspension of football across Europe since March due to the coronavirus outbreak, there have been efforts to ensure an early LaLiga return. LaLiga teams have returned to training after every player was tested for coronavirus. It is claimed that the league will probably resume by mid-June. 

Also Read | Lionel Messi can play till 39, including 2022 WC in Qatar, claims Barcelona legend Xavi

Updated 12:24 IST, May 11th 2020

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