On this day in sport: Messi secures treble as Lomu makes his mark
Lionel Messi delivered a moment of history for Barcelona on this day in 2009, as Manchester United lost the Champions League final in Rome.
Arsene Wenger also has fond memories of May 27 from his Arsenal career, having achieved an unprecedented FA Cup feat at Wembley three years ago.
Shane Watson powered Chennai Super Kings to 2018 IPL glory, while back in 1995, the great Jonah Lomu scored the first tries of a famous New Zealand career.
Join us in looking back on some memorable moments from this day in years gone by.
1995 – Jonah Lomu scores his first tries for New Zealand
One of rugby union’s all-time most famous faces made his mark on this day back in 1995.
Lomu scored his first two tries for New Zealand as they claimed a 43-19 win over Ireland in a Pool C clash at the Rugby World Cup in Johannesburg.
He finished the tournament as joint-top try-scorer on seven as the All Blacks reached the final, where they were famously beaten by hosts South Africa.
Lomu tragically died at the age of 40 in November 2015.
97 – Jonah Lomu beat 97 defenders in 11 RWC appearances, 35 more than any other player in RWC history. Greatest. pic.twitter.com/W2dcZ8YgEJ
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) November 19, 2015
2018 – Shane Watson scores unbeaten century as Chennai Super Kings win the IPL
It is two years since a spectacular innings from Watson secured Indian Premier League glory for Chennai Super Kings.
Questioned for putting their faith in a squad of players approaching the end of their careers, it was fitting that Chennai’s triumph would be sealed by 36-year-old Watson’s unbeaten 117 from 57 balls.
Watson hit eight sixes and 11 fours to dominate the contest, the Super Kings easing to an eight-wicket win with nine balls remaining.
2009 – Barcelona beat Manchester United in the Champions League final
Barcelona became champions of Europe on this day 11 years ago, denying Manchester United a piece of history and securing their own place in the record books.
Holders United were looking to become the first team to win back-to-back Champions Leagues in the modern format but were dealt an early blow when Samuel Eto’o squeezed a 10th-minute shot past Edwin van der Sar.
A header from Lionel Messi – a goal he still considers the most important of his career – made it 2-0 in the second half as Barca won the treble for the first time in their history in Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge.
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
2009 #UCLfinalA moment of magic from Messi…#UCL pic.twitter.com/y6eXnUrIQe
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 24, 2019
2017 – Arsenal beat Chelsea in FA Cup final as Wenger wins the trophy for a seventh time
Arsene Wenger became the most successful manager in FA Cup history three years ago when he lifted the trophy for a seventh time.
Premier League champions Chelsea were favourites, but a fourth-minute goal from Alexis Sanchez set the tone for the final.
Victor Moses’ red card 68 minutes in made life tougher for the Blues and, although Diego Costa grabbed an equaliser, Aaron Ramsey struck what proved to be the winner three minutes later.
Aside from Wenger’s feat – his 10th major trophy as Gunners boss – it was a final fondly remembered by fans for the performance of Per Mertsesacker, who was outstanding at the heart of defence.
THE FINAL OF FINALS
The results are in…
You voted @Arsenal @ChelseaFC (2017) the best #FACupFinal of all time! pic.twitter.com/G1kjJvKs7X
— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 18, 2019
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