Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Lionel Messi in England: Every Premier League ground Argentina legend scored at

Lionel Messi has never played in the Premier League, but the Argentina legend has left a lasting mark on several of English football's most famous grounds during his Barcelona career.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made numerous trips to England in the Champions League, facing the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham. 

While he did not score at every ground, his record against English opposition eventually became one of the most impressive of any visiting player, scoring 22 goals in 29 appearances against English clubs during his Barcelona career.

His first goal on English soil came at Wembley in the 2011 Champions League final, when Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1. 

Messi's 54th-minute strike was his first in England after previously drawing blanks at Anfield, Old Trafford, the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge.

He would go on to score at three more grounds associated with Premier League clubs, including memorable doubles against Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as his first goal against Chelsea. 

Here, FootballGroundGuide looks at every Premier League ground in England where Lionel Messi scored.

Etihad Stadium – Manchester City

Messi's first goal at a Premier League ground came at the Etihad Stadium on February 18, 2014, when Barcelona beat Manchester City 2-0 in the Champions League round of 16.

The Argentine opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after being fouled by Martin Demichelis, who was subsequently sent off. Dani Alves added a second late on as Barcelona took a major step towards the quarter-finals.

The goal ended a lengthy wait for Messi, who had previously failed to score in his visits to English club grounds. His first goal at a Premier League stadium therefore came from the penalty spot rather than one of his trademark finishes from open play.

Emirates Stadium – Arsenal

Two years later, Messi produced one of his most memorable performances in England by scoring twice at the Emirates Stadium.

Barcelona defeated Arsenal 2-0 on February 23, 2016, in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. 

Messi opened the scoring in the 71st minute after combining with Neymar and Luis Suarez before adding a penalty seven minutes from time after Mathieu Flamini brought him down.

It was also significant because Petr Cech had previously frustrated Messi in six meetings, and the double gave the Argentine his first goals against the former Chelsea goalkeeper, continuing his remarkable record against Arsenal, whom he would eventually score nine times against in six Champions League matches.

Stamford Bridge – Chelsea

Messi eventually ended his long wait for a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on February 20, 2018.

Barcelona drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, with Willian giving the hosts the lead before Messi equalised in the 75th minute.

The goal was particularly notable because it came on Messi's ninth appearance against Chelsea. UEFA described it as the end of his long-standing goal hoodoo against the London club, with Andres Iniesta providing the assist for the equaliser.

Wembley Stadium – Tottenham Hotspur

Wembley is slightly different because it was not Tottenham's permanent home, but it was the club's home ground during the 2018-19 season while the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was being completed.

Messi scored twice there against Tottenham in October 2018 as Barcelona secured a 4-2 Champions League victory. 

He first restored Barcelona's two-goal advantage after Harry Kane had pulled one back, before completing the scoring late on after Erik Lamela had reduced the deficit again.

It was actually Messi's second scoring appearance at Wembley, having already scored at the stadium in the 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United, although that match was played at a neutral venue rather than as a Premier League club home fixture. 

Every Premier League ground where Messi scored

  • Etihad Stadium, Manchester City – 1 goal
  • Emirates Stadium, Arsenal – 2 goals
  • Stamford Bridge, Chelsea – 1 goal
  • Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur – 2 goals in 2018, plus 1 against Manchester United in the 2011 neutral-site Champions League final

Which Premier League ground did Messi play without scoring?

Messi played matches at Old Trafford (Manchester United's stadium) and Anfield (Liverpool's stadium) without ever scoring a goal at either ground.

Cole is a passionate sports writer with a love for storytelling. He covers global sporting events with a focus on insight, accuracy, and engaging analysis. Known for his clear writing style and balanced opinions, Cole brings every headline to life for readers.

Articles: 341