Lionel Messi scores outrageous top bins free-kick to equalise in the 85th minute

Lionel Messi, take a bow.

The World Cup-winner scored a brilliant free-kick in the 84th minute of Inter Miami's clash with FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup.

The wonderful strike equalled the score, making it 4-4 between the two sides with Inter Miami going on to win the resulting penalty shootout.

In terms of strikes, they don't come much sweeter.

Messi. Free kick. Inevitable. pic.twitter.com/ykUh52xqDP

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023

It was actually Messi who opened the scoring five minutes into the game with a silky left-footed finish into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Fast forward 80 minutes and FC Dallas were 4-3 up and looking destined to advance to secure a victory.

Enter: Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box and only one man was going to step up and take it.

From the tightest of angles, Messi managed to get the ball over the wall before nestling it into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Maarten Paes in the Dallas goal dived but the strike was simply too good.

The goal that saved Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi 🐐 pic.twitter.com/jbFUwMzZfx

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 7, 2023

Messi's teammates went over to celebrate with him, but the Argentinian legend simply waved them back to the centre circle – knowing that the job was far from done.

He honestly couldn't have placed it any more perfect if he'd tried.

Both sides were unable to break the stalemate during extra time, although Miami eventually came out on top in the penalty shootout – Messi scoring again, of course.

Here is Messi’s masterclass vs Dallas in case you missed it. pic.twitter.com/2d8dnFPLXP

— Sam 💎 (@FcbxSam) August 7, 2023

When the MLS' official account posted a clip of the goal to Twitter, fans were absolutely losing it.

Replying to the post, one person said: "Single-footedly carrying the worst team in MLS. A real Challenge."

While one added: "Absolute perfection from the GOAT."

As a third commented: "Free kick = Penalty... in Messi's book."

And a fourth said: "They'll say this is 'scripted' when in actual fact we're all alive witnessing the GOAT scoring another casual free kick. My IDOL!"

a truly special goal from a truly special player.