Lionel Messi makes mockery of PSVs plans to stop him with stunning free-kick

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PSV did everything they could to prepare for Lionel Messi - but it was not good enough.

The Dutch outfit had a man crouching behind the wall for a 31st-minute free-kick in case the superstar tried to go underneath.

PSV positioned a man behind the wall but he was no use as Lionel Messi curled up and overCredit: Reuters

But Hirving Lozano was left watching alongside his team-mates as Messi effortlessly curled the ballinto the top corner.

Barcelona took a one-goal lead thanks to the stunning effort as they look to begin their European campaign with an away win.

And Messi, 31, jumped back in front of rival Cristiano Ronaldo for most goals in the Champions League group stages, extending his lead with a close-range second.

The Argentina star now has 63 strikesin 64 games, with the return against PSV as well as clashes with Tottenham and Inter Milan to come.

The brilliant effort put Barcelona ahead before half-timeCredit: AFP or licensors

Lionel Messi wheels away after his 61st goal in 64 group matchesCredit: AFP or licensors

Messi has a point to prove after Argentina's World Cup flop saw him not nominated for Fifa's The Best awards.

And he made a real point of reminding the world just how good he is by completing his hat-trick in 87th minute after an assist from Luis Suarez.

That saw him become the first player to score eight hat-tricks in the Champions League.

Luka Modric held off competition from Ronaldo and Mo Salah to be crowned winner of The Best award in the end.

Shooting under the wall has been used by several players to sneak a goalCredit: Reuters

Barcelona stars including Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho train ahead of Champions League opener with PSV

Meanwhile, David Beckham's Inter Miami have ben linked with a sensational swoop for Messi.

The new franchise will join the MLS in 2020 and want to make an instant splash.