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WATCH: One Of Juan Roman Riquelme's Greatest Ever Goals

WATCH: One Of Juan Roman Riquelme's Greatest Ever Goals

What a player.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Though the focus is on Lionel Messi and his 30th birthday, let's remember that another Argentine genius synonymous with the number ten also celebrates his big day.

That's because Juan Roman Riquelme, one of the most gifted players of our generation, turns 39 today.

And so, why not celebrate the former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Villarreal man's birthday but revisiting one of the greatest goals he scored in his glittering career?

Check out his memorable strike served up against Brazil twelve years ago:

Riquelme had an eye for a defence-splitting pass and a sumptuous goal, and that beauty against Brazil in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier back in 2005 is certainly one of his finest.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina ran out worthy winners against Brazil and Riquelme took centre stage with his performance - the absolute highlight of the game being his sublime goal to put his side 2-0 up and flying just 18 minutes in.

Image: PA

The No.8 started the whole move off when he pulled off an outrageous scorpion-like kick to keep possession of the ball before receiving the ball with his back to goal moments later. He turned a defender with one deft shimmy and then smashed one into the top corner with his left-foot.

Pure individual brilliance from a genius of a player.


Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Argentina, Brazil