Spanish paper 'Marca' will have another look at Messi goal

Messi's goal is under review. There are two interpretations that one can read of the first Barca goal, the same which has divided many journalists and fans. It all occurred in the 71st minute. Leo Messi took a chip shot free kick which ended up with the ball in the net, but what is still not known is who will be credited with the goal. 

In the first instance and after seeing various replays from different angles and speeds, it seems like Diego Lopez was not going to be able to reach with his stretch, for which it would be Messi's goal despite Victor Sanchez's header. On the other hand, there is also the option of considering that Diego Lopez would have been able to reach to clear the ball and that the Espanyol captain diverted the trajectory of the ball. In this case, it would be an own goal. 

Del Cerro Grande, the referee, gave the goal to Messi in his match report, something which 'Marca' did not do. The opinion of the Spanish newspaper influences both the 'Pichichi' and the Golden Shoe awards. Therefore it could be decisive come the end of the season as to whether the Argentine gets the prize or not.

So European Sports Media (ESM) have got in contact with 'Marca' to ask for the goal to be reviewed and an explanation in order to clear up the decision; "We respect Marca' s decision, because there are who decide, but we will speak to them in order to know the criteria they have used to come to that decision."

Rapidly, 'Marca', through the words of its head and an official statement, has announced that it will look at the goal once again to finally decide who is credited with the goal. 

"The editorial office of this newspaper has decided, as a result of the doubts which have arisen, to profoundly review through an internal committee the goal in order to take a final and definitive decision. Juan Ignacio Gallardo (the head) will contact the ESM to inform them of their final decision. And that decision will affect both the Pichichi and the Golden Shoe," says the statement on 'Marca's website.

The three precedents

It is not the first time that something occurs of this magnitude. 'Marca' has to review a goal on three previous occasions. The first was in the 1993-94 season which ended up being a Hugo Sanchez goal in a match between Rayo Vallecano and Tenerife. 

The second was in 2004-05 when Forlan scored a goal with the help of Guayre in the match between Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. Lastly, 'Marca' decided a Griezmann strike was a Damian Suarez own goal in a Real Sociedad-Elche in 2013-14 after the ball deflected off the former Elche man. What will happen this time. Will it be Messi's goal or not?