Video: Top 10 crazy nutmegs in football history, featuring Messi, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo

The technique of sliding the ball through an opponent's legs, coupled with added admiration when the attacking player successfully maintains control afterwards, is commonly referred to as a 'nutmeg'.

The origin of the term has sparked prolonged debates, with the most prevalent theory suggesting a connection to male anatomy—a notion presented by Countdown star Susie Dent from Dictionary Corner.

The origin of the word, 'Nutmeg'

According to Sportskeeda, the word 'nutmeg' is believed to have taken root during the 18th century when the trade of nutmeg (a spice derived from the Myristica tree genus) thrived between America and England.

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Since nutmeg was a prized commodity at the time, exporters ingeniously inserted wooden replicas into the sacks dispatched across the Atlantic.

Nutmeg soon came to imply stupidity on the part of the outwit victim and smartness on the part of the trickster.

This concept gradually seeped into football, where it denoted that the player through whose legs the ball was skillfully manoeuvred had been outsmarted, or "nutmegged."

8. Redondo vs Henning Berg

In yet another thrilling Champions League showdown between United and Real, the stage was set for another breathtaking nutmeg.

Redondo orchestrated the visitors' triumphant goal for Raul with a sublime flick that elegantly navigated through the legs of Berg.

7. Ronaldinho vs Chievo

Unleashing a touch of Brazilian magic, Ronaldinho mesmerized a hapless Chievo player in Serie A with his enchanting skills.

The ex-Barcelona maestro's legendary dribbling prowess takes center stage in the following video clip, highlighted by a daring backheel nutmeg that encapsulates his unique artistry.

6. Alves disgraces Cristiano Ronaldo

During the October 2013 El Clasico clash, in which Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over the Los Blancos side, a remarkable showcase of skill unfolded through the Brazilian defender Dani Alves.

Sprinting down the right flank, Alves found himself relentlessly pursued by the tracking Ronaldo. When the Real Madrid luminary managed to get goal-side and effectively close him off, Alves appeared seemingly devoid of choices, briefly retreating as if considering laying the ball off.

5. Messi on Emir Spahic

The 2015 Champions League match against Manchester City wasn't the inaugural instance of Lionel Messi drawing attention with a nutmeg.

The diminutive Argentine had already showcased his rapidity, composure, and finesse earlier against Sevilla, elegantly sliding the ball through Spahic's legs before executing a delightful chip into the back of the net.

4. Ronaldo nutmegs Steven Davis

A wonderful piece of skill from Ronaldo, who first fools Davis with a Cruyff turn before popping the ball in between the Southampton man's legs.

The Portuguese also gets a whack but the referee plays advantage as he retains possession with a neat backheel to a team-mate.

3. Suarez owns David Luiz

Luis Suarez destroyed ex-Chelsea player David Luiz on his way to put Barca 2-0 in the Champions League game in 2015, before replicating the trick for a second time on the night.

The third Barcelona goal was even better when Suarez managed to nutmeg Luiz before striding on and planting a shot into the top left corner of the keeper.

2. Riquelme destroys Mario Yepes

A maestro of his generation, Riquelme's talent was second to none, often conjuring moments of pure magic on the field.

In the midst of a heated Copa Libertadores quarter-final, his composure remained unshaken as he skillfully executed a rolled nutmeg to outwit Yepes. A true embodiment of class.

1. Messi nutmegs Milner

In a moment that left fans in sheer awe, Lionel Messi executed a masterful nutmeg on James Milner during a gripping Champions League encounter between Manchester City and Barcelona in March 2015.

The spectacle was so captivating that even Pep Guardiola was observed covering his face in disbelief as the former City midfielder found himself bested.

Messi took control of the ball along the right touchline, and with Milner rapidly closing in, he executed a composed maneuver, threading the ball effortlessly through the Englishman's legs as he slid in, sending Milner in the opposite direction. The entire stadium erupted in response to the breathtaking display of skill.