This Is History: Rashford exorcises Messi's ghost, ends seven-year Camp Nou curse

On a night that felt like ​a bridge between Barcelona’s celebrated past and their electric future, Marcus Rashford wrote his name into the club’s history books. 

With a stunning 85th-minute strike that curled into the bottom corner, the Englishman sealed a 4-1 victory over FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night, securing a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the Champions League Round of 16.

The goal was more than just a sealer; it was a statistical miracle. Not since May 1, 2019, when Lionel Messi famously dismantled Liverpool with a rocket at the same stadium, had a Barcelona player scored a direct free kick in the Champions League.

The atmosphere in Catalonia has shifted from skepticism to adoration. Fans who were once unsure about the Manchester United loanee are now hailing him as a "specialist" who has solved a seven-year tactical problem.

Social media erupted the moment the ball hit the net:

“First to score a freekick in Camp Nou since Messi, this is history,” one fan noted, while another simply couldn't contain the relief: “We finally Fing scored from a Free Kick!”*

One supporter perfectly captured the vibe of the goal: “Rashford literally whispered 'not today Copenhagen' then bent that into another galaxy. Welcome to Barça big man - world class never left, just changed.”

“4 days ago I was wondering why he doesn’t take more free kick at Barça and today he scores!!!” another added.

By finding the net on Wednesday, Rashford joined a truly elite bracket of English footballing royalty. He is now one of only two Englishmen to score a direct free kick for two different clubs in the UEFA Champions League, having done so for both Manchester United and Barcelona.

The only other man to achieve this? David Beckham, who achieved the feat for Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Barcelona had to fight for their top-eight spot. After falling behind early to a Viktor Dadason strike, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha dragged the Catalans back into the lead. 

However, it was Rashford’s introduction that provided the exclamation point.

His technique, a departure from Messi's delicate curl, was a mix of power and precision that left Copenhagen keeper Dominik Kotarski helpless. 

As Hansi Flick noted after the match: "When he is there with his control and his finishing, it is amazing to have him."

The win ensures Barcelona bypasses the gruelling playoff round, finishing fifth in the overall standings. For a club that has struggled in European knockout stages in recent years, this direct path is invaluable.

As one fan put it: “There’s no team he plays for that he won’t excel, he’s just undeniable, too good.”