On April 23, 2017, the Clásico which took place at the Santiago Bernabéu ended with a dramatic victory for FC Barcelona, thanks to a decisive goal from Lionel Messi in the 92nd minute. The score was then 2-2, with the two teams trading blows throughout the match. At the end of extra time, the Argentinian found the back of the net, giving Barça a 3-2 victory at the home of their historic rival.
This goal was not only decisive on a tactical level; it had a major symbolic meaning. This was Messi's 500th goal in the colors of FC Barcelona, a figure which testifies to his impact and his long record at the club. On April 23, when the match was at its inflection point, Messi achieved this milestone during one of the most anticipated meetings of the Spanish season, in front of Real Madrid supporters.
After scoring, Messi took off his shirt and waved it in front of the Bernabéu stands. This gesture, simple but powerful, immediately captured the attention of the Madrid crowd. He highlighted not only his individual talent but also the historic rivalry between the two clubs. The image of a player removing his jersey to show it to the enemy has become iconic and is often recalled in reviews of the history of the Clásico.
The match thus left a lasting imprint in the memory of the supporters. Barca left Madrid with a 3‑2 victory, while Messi cemented his status as a club legend by scoring a memorable goal and marking a milestone of 500 goals. This performance remains one of the most memorable of his career, still remembered today as a key moment in the history of the Clásico.