Lionel Messi Barcelona 2018-19Getty Images

Magic Messi hits new personal best for Barcelona with stunning free-kick

Lionel Messi has hit a new personal high in his stunning career, with the Barcelona superstar netting another free-kick during a Champions League clash with PSV.

The mercurial Argentine has made a habit of breaking records and raising the bar of individual excellence over the course of a remarkable career.

There is not too much he has not achieved, but 2018 is shaping up to be another memorable year.

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Having already netted four times in as many La Liga outings this season, Messi is now up and running in the Champions League.

His first outing in that competition came against Dutch opposition at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Just past the half-hour mark against PSV, Barcelona were awarded a free-kick after seeing Ousmane Dembele bundled to the deck.

Messi took charge of a set-piece 25 yards from goal, and proceeded to whip the ball into the top corner.

That has been a familiar story during the current calendar year, with the 31-year-old proving once again how deadly he can be from any area of the field.

While hitting a new high in terms of free-kick goals, Messi is also fast closing in another notable landmark.

Having netted in Champions League competition for the first time back in 2005-06, the South American has found the target in every season since.

Only Real Madrid legend Raul can claim to have bettered his record, although that claim could be cancelled out in 2019-20.

Messi already boasts four Champions League triumphs on his enviable CV, but will be hoping to secure a fifth medal this season and draw level with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

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