Ankara Messi: What does this phrase mean, and where did it come from?

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer in history. The Argentine skipper has won nearly everything in his career. He also produced many inspirational moments on the pitch that have mesmerized crowds and left commentators screaming his name. One such expression is the "Ankara Messi" phrase that has made rounds on the internet.

Leo has displayed individual brilliance on numerous occasions. One of his recent performances was at the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final, where he dribbled past Croatian defender Jasko Gvardiol on the right flank before setting up Julian Alvarez for a third goal in their 3-0 victory.

What is Ankara Messi?

You probably have watched the Ankara Messi meme and wondered about its origin and what it means. Veteran Spanish journalist Joaquim Maria Puyal coined the phrase in 2007 while describing Leo's historic run that resulted in one of the best solo goals ever scored in football. Here is everything you need to know about the meaning of Ankara Messi and why it is popular.

Puyal shouted the phrase as Leo left defenders in the dust from the halfway line to the opponents' goals before moving past the goalkeeper and scoring. It resembled Diego Maradona's iconic move in the 1986 World Cup match against England. Leo and Maradona are among the greatest footballers in history.

Where did Ankara Messi come from?

The phrase comes from one of Leo's iconic goals for Barcelona against Getafe at Camp Nou. The then 19-year-old Argentine striker magically skipped past defenders from his half, which broke the hearts of opposing fans but again gave them the excitement of witnessing something extraordinary.

When was Ankara Messi made?

The Ankara Messi match was a Copa Del Rey semi-final first-leg between Barca and Getafe on 18 April 2007 in Barcelona. The Catalans won 5-2, with Leo bagging two goals. Getafe later won 4-0 at home in the second leg, knocking Barca out of the tournament with a 6-5 aggregate.

What does Ankara Messi mean?

Although the phrase has become popular among football fans, the word "Ankara" does not exist. It is a mispronunciation of the word "Encara," which has Catalan roots. The word means "Still"; therefore, "Encara Messi" translates to "Still Messi."

The other Ankara Messi meaning in English is that the Argentine is facing up toward the defenders and still retaining possession. It comes from the Spanish meaning of "Encara," a verb meaning a confrontation or facing someone directly.

Top commentators like Peter Drury, Martin Tyler, and Roy Hodson have delivered epic narrations of Leo's goals and moves. Hodson once described him as the 'medicine man' while Drury summed up Messi's 2022 World Cup success with a 'pitched up in heaven' phrase. Joaquim Puyal's Ankara Messi goal commentary also ranks among the best.

Check out the video below:

Y a t il un truc plus grand que le “Ankara Messi ?” https://t.co/eo4ZNAFEFS pic.twitter.com/ddaEKIweoA

— Jules ✌???? (@jules_en_parle) June 1, 2023