Lionel Messi's 500th Barcelona goal was scored in the 91st minute of El Clasico to defeat Real Madrid, 3-2.
First, a note about the losers: Real Madrid were the better side for most of the game. They were more organized and more aggressive, even snatching an equalizer while playing with 10 men. It looked like Real would win it for a bit there, as they were entirely on the front foot in the latter stages of the game. But Real Madrid did not win this game. They did not win this game because they do not have Lionel Messi, and Barcelona do.
Besides his two goals, the first of which was incredible and the second incredibly timely, it was Messi who Sergio Ramos fouled to get sent off, and who Casemiro fouled to get a yellow early on.
Real Madrid's game plan seemed to be hit Messi at every opportunity (I do think Marcelo's elbow on him in the first half was unintentional, though), and Messi shook all of it off and ended El Clasico with a moment Barcelona fans will never forget.
Hay Liga!#Messi racks up his 500th career goal. Oh, and it just so happens to settle the best #ElClasico in a long time! pic.twitter.com/ZvF5mxrCG0
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) April 23, 2017
Lionel Messi is the best player of all time. This is no longer a debate.
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