It's an exciting time to be a football fan, with the top leagues and competitions concluding this month. The English Premier League saw Mikel Arteta's Arsenal push Pep Guardiola's Manchester City every step of the way. The Citizens began the campaign hunting a world record fourth EPL crown in four years, while the Gunners wanted to go one better than last season and win the title. It was an enthralling race that kept fans on the edge of their seats and pundits guessing throughout.
Bayer Leverkusen shocked world football by winning the German Bundesliga, finally ending Bayern Munich's dominance. In France, PSG finished streets ahead of nearest rivals Monaco despite another bitterly disappointing Champions League campaign. Inter Milan waltzed to another Serie A gong ahead of AC Milan in Italy, while Real Madrid stormed back to the summit of Spanish football after controlling La Liga.
With the top divisions decided, attention shift to the summer and Euro 2024, which begins in Germany next month. The host nation opens the show against Scotland, but only after we enjoy the final of the UEFA Champions League. There's still the small matter of crowning Europe's best team, and fans can predict the champion on the leading Champions League betting apps. Study the form, make your predictions, and wager on over 100 markets.
Dortmund plays Madrid
Borussia Dortmund plays Real Madrid on the opening day of June in the climax of this season's race. The Germans beat PSG 2-0 on aggregate to secure their slot in the decisive game, while Real Madrid edged Bayern Munich by the odd goal in seven to keep alive their dreams of regaining the title. Will Blancos continue their love affair with this trophy, or will the German's spectacular season end with a European trophy? Fans can't wait to find out.
As we await the final, our content team got thinking of some of Lionel Messi's biggest goals in the Champions League. It's a competition the Argentine loved playing in, and he didn't hide it. Messi scored some remarkable goals for Barcelona in UEFA's flagship tournament, often single-handedly dragging his teammates through tough games to victory.
What's your favorite Messi moment in the Champions League? Keep reading as we wind back the clock and remember some of the best goals scored by Messi in front of the watching world. These strikes are just some of the reasons fans of the sport loved him.
Barcelona vs. Manchester United
In the final held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Messi delivered a moment of pure magic. In the 70th minute of the game, with Barcelona leading 1-0, Messi received the ball near the edge of the box. With a burst of acceleration, he left two Manchester United defenders in his wake, danced past another, and coolly slotted the ball past Edwin van der Sar into the bottom corner.
This goal showcased Messi's extraordinary dribbling skills and sealed Barcelona's 2-0 victory, clinching their third Champions League title to delight fans in Spain and abroad.
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich
Facing Bayern Munich in the semi-final, Messi produced a moment of individual brilliance that left football fans in awe. In the 77th minute of the first leg at Camp Nou, Messi received the ball near the halfway line. What followed was a breathtaking solo run as he glided past Bayern defenders with stunning ease, leaving Jerome Boateng on the ground with a sudden change of direction before calmly chipping the ball over the onrushing Manuel Neuer.
This strike showed Messi's incredible dribbling ability and his composure in front of goal, helping Barcelona to a 3-0 victory.
Barcelona vs. Roma
Messi's goal against Roma in the group stage of the 2015/16 season was a testament to his incredible vision, precision, and technique. In the 18th minute of the match at Camp Nou, Messi received the ball from Ivan Rakitić outside the box. Without hesitation, he unleashed a curling, left-footed shot that seemed to defy the laws of physics as it bent past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper and nestled into the top corner of the net.
The goal reminded us of Messi's ability to produce moments of sheer brilliance from seemingly impossible situations, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe.
Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Messi's goal against Arsenal in the quarter-final of the 2009/10 season was a masterclass in control, precision, and technique. In the 37th minute of the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Messi received the ball near the edge of the box with his back to goal. With a sublime first touch, he turned past his marker, weaved his way through a crowd of Arsenal defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Almunia with no chance.
This goal showcased Messi's extraordinary skill and his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Barcelona vs. AC Milan
Messi's goal against AC Milan in the quarter-final of the 2011/12 season was a demonstration of his ability to produce moments of brilliance when it mattered most. In the 11th minute of the second leg at Camp Nou, Messi received the ball on the edge of the box. With a burst of acceleration, he left two Milan defenders in his wake before unleashing a powerful shot that flew into the bottom corner of the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Messi's sublime strike against AC Milan demonstrated his incredible dribbling ability and finishing prowess, but it also helped Barcelona secure a crucial 3-1 victory on their way to the semi-finals.
The next star
What Borussia Dortmund or Real Madrid would give for a player of Messi's ability before the 2024 Champions League final. But the great man no longer plays at this level, and that paves the way for a future star to emerge. Who do you think will step up and grab this season's final by the horns and win it for his team?
There are many potential greats in both camps, and the stage is set for a thrilling final that could be decided on penalties.