Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has identified the header he scored against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final as his favorite goal in a career that has produced over 800 strikes.

The 38-year-old Argentine, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, made this revelation despite having scored numerous spectacular and significant goals throughout his illustrious career with Argentina, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami.

"I had many goals that are perhaps even more beautiful and of enormous value, also because of their importance, but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United was always my favorite," Messi stated.

The goal in question was Barcelona's second in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. In a moment that has become iconic in Champions League history, Messi remarkably outjumped United's formidable defensive duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

This victory marked Messi's first Champions League triumph with Barcelona, a competition he would go on to win twice more with the Catalan giants before his departure in 2021.

The goal holds particular significance as it came against one of Europe's most dominant teams at the time and showcased Messi's remarkable aerial ability despite his relatively small stature – an aspect of his game that is often overshadowed by his dribbling and finishing prowess.

Messi, who now plies his trade in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, continues to add to his goal tally even in the twilight of his career, though his recent focus has been on improving his team's form following a disappointing 3-0 defeat.