The 3 times Lionel Messi has played at Wembley – and how he’s fared

While we may never know if Lionel Messi can do it on a cold, windy night in Stoke, he can definitely produce stunning performances at Wembley. 

Messi has made just three appearances at the iconic stadium during his illustrious career and always treats it like his own personal playground.

We’ve taken a look at his three games at Wembley and how he fared in them.

After Barcelona beat Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final, the two sides faced each other yet again in the 2011 final at Wembley.

Wayne Rooney gave United hope when he responded to an opener from Pedro but they were ultimately powerless to stop prime Barca and their mesmeric talisman. 

Messi tormented Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and he restored Barcelona’s lead after driving forward and unleashing a brilliant strike from outside the box.

His dribbling constantly caused panic in the United defence and David Villa capitalised in the 69th minute by whipping a shot into the top corner from just outside the penalty area. 

The Argentina international had a 92% pass accuracy, completed 10 dribbles, created four chances and had three shots on target during his first trip to Wembley and unsurprisingly won the Man of the Match award.

“We never got to grips with Messi at all,” Ferdinand said in his autobiography. “He played from deep but if I went chasing him, I’d leave a hole for their midfielders and wingers to exploit. Should I stay or should I go? I never knew.”

While Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona were the best side he ever faced, he does still have some regrets about the final.

“I should have changed at half-time and put Park Ji-sung on Messi,” Ferguson later said. “That was a mistake… I was going to do it at half-time,