Messi's forgotten panenka free kick against Almería
The Barcelona star used an unusual technique to open the scoring against Espanyol but he invented something similar almost 10 years ago...
Leo Messi's opening goal against Espanyol gained plaudits for the Argentinean's invention but in fact he has used the ruse before.
In 2009-10, against Almería, Messi hit a similar goal from a similar position by lifting the ball "panenka" style over the wall.
Despite the effort hitting Espanyol defender Víctor Sánchez on its way in, the goal was awarded to Messi as under Liga rules if the ball is clearly heading into the back of the net any contact before it gets there is irrelevant.