Lionel Messi’s Handball Goal Was Not Enough

Incredible final of the season in Spain’s La Liga. Barcelona played last night against arch town rivals Espanyol. And it was all about drama again at the Nou Camp. But first of all let’s check the starting lineup:

Barcelona:1 Victor Valdes, 5 Carles Puyol, 21 Lilian Thuram , 12 Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, 11 Gianluca Zambrotta, 20 Anderson Deco, 24 Andres Iniesta, 6 Hernandez Xavi, 9 Samuel Eto’o, 7 Eidur Gudjohnsen, 19 Leo Messi.

Espanyol: Carlos Kameni 13, Francisco Javier Chica Torres 2, Jesus Lacruz 4, Daniel Jarque 21, Marc Torrejon 19, Ivan De la Pena 9, Moises Hurtado 22, Albert Riera 11, Ferran Coro 20, Fernandez Luis Garcia 10, Raul Tamudo 23.

Lionel Messi was again Barca’s showman last night, as he uses to be each time when Ronaldinho doesn’t rise to the expectations. “The new Maradona” scored twice against Espanyol but it was not enough to bring Barcelona at the top of the league table. As it wouldn’t be enough Messi entered the spotlights with a controversial goal. His first important action of the match can be called “The Hand of Messi” or “The Hand of God returns” after scoring with a handball “kick”. He executed an almost perfect move and on the live images he tricked everyone even the spanish referee. The replay shows us how he curled himself and using the hand to tip the ball into the net.

The Game in a few words
The Catalans found themselves trailing half an hour into the game after a nice Raul Tamudo goal. Just before the break Barcelona equalized with the above described Lionel Messi’s handball goal.
After the break the new Maradona scored again after a superb Barca combination. Everything was working fine for the defending Spanish champions especially after news reported that Real was trailing Zaragoza 2-1. Barcelona where favourites for the Primera Divison title.
Barcelona’s victory was denied by Raul Tamudo, new all time Espanyol goal scorer, in the last minutes of time. The title hopes faded away after Real managed to equalize at Zaragoza and stays on top with one more match left to play.

Lionel Messi and Diego Armando Maradona only 20 years apart
- both are argentinian national team players
- both are superstars
- both lack in height
- both have glue to the ball
- both seem to score the same

Identical Handball Goals
Diego Armando Maradona (World Cup 1986 Argentina – England)

Lionel Messi (09.06. 2007 Barcelona-Espanyol)

Identical Long Action Goals
Diego Armando Maradona

Lionel Messi