Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has finally ended his long wait for a goal against Chelsea.
Lionel Messi scored his first goal ever against Chelsea tonight with a 75th-minute equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw in a fascinating Champions League last 16, first leg duel at Stamford Bridge.
The Barcelona talisman is arguably the greatest player of all-time but had somehow failed to score against the Blues in eight matches before Tuesday night
But he finally broke his duck 12 years after meeting Chelsea for the first time.
The home side had gone in front when Willian – easily the best player on the night – rifled home early in the second half.
Barcelona had dominated possession but struggled to break down the stubborn Blues.
It was a mistake that finally undid Antonio Conte’s plans… and ended Messi’s long wait.
Andreas Christensen played a truly awful pass across goal that went to Andres Iniesta – Cesar Azpilicueta made a desperate lunge, but his dive only served to set Iniesta free.
The Barca captain then cut back for Messi and as soon as hit rolled into his stride there was no doubt.
Messi stroked home, ending a nine-game, 729-minute wait.
The Argentina skipper scored with his 30th shot against the Blues, ending a drought that started in almost 12 years to the day ago.
He even missed a penalty in the semi-final in 2012, the year Chelsea went on to win the competition under Roberto Di Matteo.
The game ultimately finished 1-1, with Barcelona having the opportunity to take advantage in the second leg at the Camp Nou on March 14.
Chelsea had been one of the 12 teams that the Barcelona star had faced in his career without scoring against, and one of two remaining in the current Champions League.
Messi’s drought against the Blues was not for lack of trying as the goal came on the 30th shot the 30-year-old had taken against them in his career.
The equalizer was Messi’s 18th goal against English opposition in the Champions League, by far the most of any player. Rival Cristiano Ronaldo is second with 11.
