What Does "Ankara Messi" Mean? Still Messi for the Ages
"Ankara Messi" has become shorthand for Lionel Messi‘s otherworldly dribbling ability and knack for the spectacular, etched into legend by an iconic goal from early in his career. The phrase itself means "Still Messi!" in Catalan, immortalized in commentary yelling out in disbelief as a 19-year-old Messi slalomed through the Getafe defense.
The Goal That Shocked the World
The 2006-07 Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe proved to be a breakout game for teenage prodigy Lionel Messi. With Barcelona already up 2-1 in the 21st minute, Messi picked up the ball in his own half. What followed was a dizzying run that showcased quick feet, impossible agility, and stunned defenders left in his dust.
| Distance Dribbled | Defenders Beat | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 60 meters | 5 Getafe players | Calm low shot to the corner |
Messi bamboozled the Getafe midfield and surged all the way into the box. A dummy sent the last defender sliding helplessly by before Messi slotted it coolly past the keeper to make it 3-1.
The audacious solo goal brought 90,000 fans to their feet. But one man‘s reaction stood out above the rest.
"Encara! Encara! Encara!" A Legendary Call
The scream of commentator Joaquim Maria Puyal encapsulated the electric amazement pulsing through the stadium. As Messi embarrassed defender after defender, Puyal passionately yelled "Encara!" – meaning "Still!" in Catalan:
"Encara! Encara! Encaraaaaaaaa Messiiiiii!!!" Puyal‘s emphatic pronunciation made it sound more like "Ankara!" rather than "Encara!" Still, the meaning was clear: how was Messi still breezing past opponents like traffic cones? The iconic call has echoed through history as a distillation of Messi‘s superhuman brilliance.
Football experts were just as awestruck, hailing a glimpse into the future after witnessing Messi‘s masterclass.
"He‘ll be one of the great players in history…I‘ve never seen anyone play like him," raved Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.
Birth of a Legend: Messi Arrives On the Big Stage
While Barcelona cruised to a 5-2 victory and eventually the Copa del Rey title, it was the young Argentine who emerged as the story of the match. Messi had announced himself to the world, leaving no doubt over the unlimited potential within his slight 5‘7" frame.
At 19 years and 259 days old, Messi remains the youngest player to score in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. But to supporters, what matters more is how perfectly this goal captures the essence of his brilliance:
- Otherworldy dribbling ability to dance through tiny spaces
- Devilish change of pace leaving world-class opponents flat-footed
- Low center of gravity from that legendary left foot
- Supreme confidence to take on defenders without hesitation
- Cold-blooded finishing after leaving a trail of bodies behind
TheseMessiesque trademarks have lived on through a career of jaw-dropping moments just like this one.
The Legacy of "Ankara Messi"
From that day forward, "Ankara Messi" became a symbol of sporting genius pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. It marked the transition from child prodigy to global icon – where potential first became tangible greatness.
The phrase simultaneously pays tribute to commentator Joaquim Maria Puyal, whose passionate disbelief echoes that of so many football fans then and now. After 16 years at the pinnacle of football, Messi‘s magic still feels impossible even after we‘ve now seen it all.
I count myself privileged to have witnessed the greatness of Lionel Andres Messi since those early Barcelona days. Goals like this "Ankara Messi" masterpiece will live eternal as a testament to the wonder this game can create. Moments that remind us why football will forever be the beautiful game.
