Lionel Messi lit up the 2009 UEFA Super Cup in more ways than one, as he luckily avoided a sending off to inspire Barcelona to an extra-time victory in Monaco.
The match between the Champions League winners and the last ever UEFA Cup winners Shakthar Donestk was one which started very slowly on a less than perfect playing surface in Monaco. Chances were few and far between as both sides looked to remain solid in defense.
It was in second half stoppage time when newly crowned UEFA Club Forward of the Season, Lionel Messi went on a surging run through the Ukranian midfield and defense before finally seeing the ball poked out for a corner. However, in the aftermath of this incident, an altercation occurred between Leo and a group of Donestk players, culminating in Messi being shown by cameras to direct a headbutting motion towards Shakthar captain Dario Srna. Luckily for Barcelona, Messi was only yellow carded for the subsequent scuffle. it would appear that the headbutt went unoticed. If this should be the case, it remains to be seen if UEFA will take any further action upon the player.
The extra-time period continued in a similarly scruffy manner, but Shakthar Donestk substitute Agahowa was able to break into a one-on-one with Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes, but tamely stroked his shot too close to the Catalan shot stopper. Then came the game-changing moment, a flash of brilliance. In the second half of extra-time, with the game seemingly destined for penalties, Barcelona substitue Pedro Rodriguez picked up possesion on the left wing, passing into the feet of Lionel Messi. Then, the hot favourite for the 2009 Ballon D’or skipped between two Shakthar defenders and slipped a return pass through for youngster Pedro, who slotted the ball in to the goal to give Barcelona, and Leo Messi, yet another trophy to add to their ever-growing list.
