Lionel Messi produced an exquisite finish from a 30-yard free-kick to fire Barcelona into the lead against Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou.

The 33-year-old Argentine superstar, who has been in the news over his leaked contract details, was in fine form as he was knocked over on the edge of the box.

Messi stepped up for the free-kick and Bilbao players did everything to stop him from scoring, even lying one of their own behind the wall.

However, the Barcelona captain curled in a beautiful free-kick into the top-right corner, with a helpless Bilbao ‘keeper Unai Simon rooted to the spot.

Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez desperately tried to run back to the line to clear Messi’s magnificent strike, only managing to hit the post as part of his troubles.

Messi’s free-kick notched up his 650th goal for Barcelona in all competitions, according to OptaJose.

Fans were simply left in awe at the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s strike and praised his brilliance on social media.

More to follow…