Messi Gifts Barca Special Win - 28/05/09

Barcelona beat Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League Final to seal a special season for their young manager, Josep Guardiola.

Club legend Guardiola was a surprise choice for the Barcelona post, as he had no managerial experience, but after winning the Primera Liga and the Copa del Rey, the Catalan giants may have found a manager with a unique gift.

Samuel Eto'o broke the deadlock after some early Manchester United pressure, before Barcelona put the game beyond doubt in the second half with a headed goal from Messi, providing Guardiola with an early first anniversary present.

At just 38-years-old, Guardiola became the youngest manager to lift the trophy in Champions League history. He was part of the revered team which won the European Cup in 1992 under Johan Cryuff, but in scoring 156 goals this season, the gifted present team have arguably eclipsed that triumph.

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o was overjoyed with the victory: "What we have done is historic, this is fantastic.

"I?m not sure that my goal was crucial for us to win the Champions League but it was certainly important.

"The whole team played fantastic, from Xavi to Iniesta, who was coming back from injury.

"It?s been a great team effort from the start of the season."

Messi Gifts Barca Special Win - 28/05/09

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