Date: February 13, 2005Competition: La Liga – Matchday 19Fixture: FC Barcelona vs. Real SociedadVenue: Camp Nou, BarcelonaWeather: Clear, 11°CAttendance: 74,000
The crowd expected a show.
Barcelona sat top of the league. Sociedad were mid-table and shaky. All signs pointed to an easy night.
But the game didn't care.
Kickoff
Barcelona opened confidently. Ronaldinho and Xavi spread passes across the field, probing. Deco played deeper than usual, acting as the metronome.
Messi started wide right.
In the 8th minute, he beat two men down the line and crossed low to Eto'o — almost a goal.
In the 15th, he cut inside from the right, curled a left-footed effort — saved.
Then came the foul.
Minute 22: The Tackle
Messi received a pass from Xavi near the edge of the box. He turned into space — but Sociedad's left-back came flying in.
No intent to injure.Just late.Reckless.
Studs caught Messi's ankle as he tried to drag the ball away.
The sound was small — a dull thump — but it made the whole stadium gasp.
Messi went down clutching his ankle. The physios ran on.
"Leo, look at me," one whispered."Can you stand?"
He nodded. Slowly. Carefully.
He limped to the sideline.
Rijkaard came over.
"Do you want to come off?"
"No," Messi said."Just tape it. I'm finishing this game."
Minute 39: The Response
Strapped and sore, Messi returned with fire in his lungs.
He dropped deeper, started linking more tightly with Deco and Ronaldinho.
In the 39th minute, he played a one-two with Deco, darted between two defenders, and burst into the box.
Faked the shot. Defender slid past.
Then, with his right foot — a rare choice — he curled it inside the near post.
GOAL. 1–0. Messi.
He didn't run to the fans.He turned and looked at Rijkaard, then at the taped ankle.
"I'm still here."
Second Half
Barcelona found more rhythm. Sociedad tired.
In the 64th minute, Messi assisted Ronaldinho with a no-look reverse pass.2–0.
He played 82 minutes before being subbed off to a standing ovation.
As he walked off, the announcer called:
"Lionel Messi. Goal, assist… and the heart of this team."
Final Score:
Barcelona 2–0 Real SociedadGoals: Messi (39'), Ronaldinho (64')Assists: Messi, Deco
Post-Match Interview
Reporter: "Leo, that tackle looked painful. What kept you going?"
Messi:(softly)
"The game. It keeps moving. I didn't want to be left behind."
Reporter: "Was it your best match so far?"
Messi:
"I don't know. Maybe not. But it was the one where I fought the most."
Notebook Entry – February 13, 2005
Anto,My ankle hurts. But it's fine. I played through it.It's strange… the pain made me feel sharper. Like I had to be perfect.I scored. I assisted. I didn't stop. I can't.They say this is a golden year. But I'm still running like I haven't earned anything yet.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of Feb 13, 2005)
Season (Club):
Appearances: 27
Goals: 16
Assists: 16
Free Kick Goals: 1
Dribbles Completed: 125
Fouls Suffered: 59
La Liga (19 matches):
Goals: 12
Assists: 11
Injury Status:
Minor ankle knock – No ligament damage
Status: Cleared for light training next day
Total Career Stats (Club + Country)
Total Matches: 27
Total Goals: 16
Total Assists: 16
Dribbles Completed: 125
National Team Matches: 0
National Team Goals/Assists: 0 / 0