Barca skipper Messi curled the left-footed strike past Liverpool keeper Alisson and into the top corner from 25 yards out at the Nou Camp to put his team 3-0 up on the night.

© AFP / Javier Soriano

The goal beat contenders from the likes of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo to be voted the best of the 2018/19 Champions League.

The strike from the Argentine magician had seemingly put Barcelona on course for the final of the competition, but they famously collapsed to a 4-0 defeat in a remarkable second-leg reversal at Anfield.

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This week Messi was announced as among the three nominees for the best forward in the Champions League last season, alongside Ronaldo and Liverpool striker Sadio Mane.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also in the running for the FIFA Best Men’s Player award, which will be announced in September.