In a very similar fashion by which El Diego stunned England in 1986, the little Argentine tormented the Getafe defense to score one of best goals in European football history.

"I know it was similar to Diego's but I think I should never be compared him," Messi commented on his wonder strike.

"I saw the space, I had a gap and I went forward," Messi told Barcelona's TV station.

"I did well. I took the goalkeeper on and scored. My aim was the goal and to finish the move off. I saw that Samu (teammate Samuel Eto'o) was there, but there were two defenders heading back. I saw the gap and went for it."

What they said

"It was a work of art!" said then-Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.

"Messi is a great talent. He has scored a brilliant goal. It's true that it is very like Maradona's, but I think Messi accelerated even faster."

Getafe manager Bernd Schuster said: "We should have fouled him, he can't be allowed to reach the area like that."

Renowned columnist Sid Lowe wrote: "Both men ran for just over 10 seconds, Maradona covering 62 meters, Messi 60, both touched the ball 13 times and beat six rivals, dashing past five of them and shooting home past the sixth."

"I hope Maradona can forgive me, but I think Messi's goal is even better," said then-Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

Messi goal (Spanish commentary)

Messi goal (Arabic commentary)

Messi goal (English commentary)

Messi vs. Maradona