Goals Like This Are Why I Watch Football

The creativity, the inventiveness, the overwhelming intelligence and yet, at the same time, the immense simplicity. Football is a game that can get over-complicated at times. Goals like this one from Lionel Messi in Barcelona's 2-0 victory at Recreativo Huelva however wash away all the dust and grit from the soul of a game which is pure in essence and bring it right back to what it really is: a thing of natural and simplistic beauty.

Watch the deceptive eyes of Dani Alves as he feigns as if preparing a shot. Admire the brilliant subtlety of Messi taking up what looks like a harmless position in the wall before darting his run at just the right time to profit masterfully from the through ball. And behold the helpless look on the face of Recreativo keeper Asier Riesgo as he stands there forlornly in the aftermath, realising he can do nothing to thwart true genius.

For me, this is the kind of goal that, through its ability to warm the heart with such inspired and yet uncomplicated cleverness, keeps football fans around the world consistently coming back for more. Enjoy.