The iconic phrase "Ankara Messi" originated in 2007 during a Spanish Copa del Rey match between Barcelona and Getafe. It was coined by legendary Catalan commentator Joaquim Maria Puyal to describe a magical goal scored by a young Lionel Messi.
The Origins of "Ankara Messi"
On April 18, 2007, a 19-year-old Lionel Messi started for Barcelona against Getafe in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. In the 24th minute, Messi picked up the ball near the halfway line and proceeded to dribble past player after player until he reached the edge of the box and fired a shot into the top corner [1].
His mazy run beat six Getafe defenders and left the commentator Puyal exclaiming "Ankara Messi!" live on air.
What Puyal was trying to say was "Encara Messi!" which means "Still Messi!" in Catalan [2]. His excitement caused him to mispronounce "encara" as "ankara", but the phrase stuck.
The sentence encapsulated the feeling of spectators seeing Messi somehow keep hold of the ball and continuining his run despite the number of opponents. It reflected the sense of wonder at Messi‘s dribbling ability.
Meaning and Significance
The phrase "Ankara Messi" is now used globally by football fans to describe Lionel Messi‘s ability to keep amazing spectators no matter the circumstances.
Some key points about its meaning:
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Ankara is the mispronounced version of the Catalan word "encara" meaning "still" or "yet".
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Messi refers of course to the legendary Argentinian forward Lionel Messi.
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So the full phrase means "Still Messi!" or "Yet again Messi!"
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It evokes Messi‘s ability to keep beating defenders and surprising fans even after all these years.
The goal against Getafe and the commentary helped create an iconic moment that exemplified Messi‘s incredible talent. Many believe it was his breakout game.
Since then, "Ankara Messi" has come to symbolize Messi‘s never-ending brilliance. The phrase represents hugely significant ideas like:
- His inexhaustible talent
- The magic, artistry, and creativity in his play
- His ability to keep pulling off the unexpected
Translation and Meaning in Other Languages
Here are translations and explanations of "Ankara Messi" in other languages:
- Spanish: "Ankara Messi" = "Todavía Messi" – Still Messi
- English: "Ankara Messi" = "Still Messi"
- French: "Ankara Messi" = "Toujours Messi" – Always Messi
- Portuguese: "Ankara Messi" = "Ainda Messi" – Still Messi
- Italian: "Ankara Messi" = "Ancora Messi" – Again Messi
No matter the language, the phrase expresses Lionel Messi‘s uncanny ability to keep showing excellence on the pitch season after season.
Messi‘s Legendary Career
Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, having won a record seven Ballon d‘Or awards [3]. Some key achievements and stats that demonstrate his sustained brilliance include:
- Most goals in La Liga history – 474
- Most goals for a single club – 672 for Barcelona
- 6 Ballon d‘Or trophies by age 27
- Only player to win the Golden Ball (best player) at two World Cups
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles
- 10 La Liga titles
- First player to win 3 European Golden Shoes
The "Ankara Messi" match against Getafe in 2007 was an early sign of the success to come. At just 19, Messi showed he could keep beating world-class opponents with skill and determination. He‘s maintained that mastery ever since.
Table showing a selection of Lionel Messi‘s career stats and records
Comparisons to Other Football Legends
How does Messi stack up against previous greats like Diego Maradona and Pele? Or his contemporary Cristiano Ronaldo?
Some key points of comparison:
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Pele scored more total career goals (1,281) than Messi has so far (776), but Messi has a higher goal ratio in domestic league play [4]
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Maradona never had goal or trophy hauls close to Messi‘s but he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.
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Ronaldo (815 goals) is the only player close to Messi‘s stats but falls short on trophies like the Ballon d‘Or.
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Messi excels in areas like dribbling, vision, and free kick taking whereas Ronaldo is more of a pure goal scorer.
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Most experts and pundits rank Messi above the rest, with Maradona, Pele, and Ronaldo in the conversation. The "Ankara Messi" magic sets him apart.
No player has shown Messi‘s consistency and artistry for as long as he has. Goals like the one against Getafe in 2007 helped cement his "Ankara Messi" reputation for perpetual excellence.
Messi‘s Origins and Background
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. He was always small for his age due to a deficiency in growth hormones but made up for it with his prodigious natural ability [5].
Some key points about his upbringing and early career:
- Played for local youth teams in Rosario from age 5.
- Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at age 11, requiring expensive treatment.
- At 13, signed by Barcelona after they agreed to fund his medical care.
- Moved to Spain and joined Barcelona‘s academy.
- Debuted for Barcelona‘s first team at 17. Became a regular starter by 18.
- Won first Champions League and Ballon d‘Or by 22.
Messi moved to Barcelona as a quiet teenager but continued developing his trademark skills – close control, dribbling, shooting accuracy. His diminutive stature made his strength on the ball even more notable.
Why Fans Adore Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is quite simply adored globally. Here are some of the reasons why he inspires such devotion:
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His modest, unassuming nature off the pitch. Despite his fame, he remains private and focused on football.
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The joy he shows while playing. His smile and passion are visible when dribbling, scoring goals.
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His loyalty to Barcelona. He‘s spent his whole career at one club unlike other stars.
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His role as the key man in Barcelona‘s most successful era, including the iconic ‘MSN‘ strikeforce.
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His underdog backstory of overcoming his health issues as a child.
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The sheer artistry and creativity in how he plays. Goals like the "Ankara Messi" one against Getafe.
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His ability to keep excelling year after year. "Ankara Messi" represents perpetual greatness.
Messi‘s humble nature and love for football make him a player fans can identify with. Meanwhile his outrageous talent cements his iconic status. "Ankara Messi" encapsulates the admiration he inspires in supporters globally.
Conclusion
The iconic phrase "Ankara Messi" originated from commentator Puyal‘s enthusiasm during Lionel Messi‘s incredible goal for Barcelona against Getafe in 2007. It represents Messi‘s incredible ability to keep amazing fans with moments of football genius.
Over a decade later, the La Liga record-breaker and seven-time Ballon d‘Or winner is still going strong. The "Ankara Messi" magic and excellence lives on. He delights fans everywhere by continuing to score stunning goals and win trophies season after season.
