Footage of Lionel Messi’s clever tactic to win free-kick goes viral

None of his teammates or the referee realised

Messi stepped up to score yet another brilliant set-piece, making it 4-4 with minutes to go before they went on to win 5-3 on penalties, however some have questioned if the goal would've stood had referee Cesar Arturo Ramos been more aware.

Video footage recorded by a fan in the stands shows the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner repositioning the ball several times.

By the end, Messi had moved the ball a good couple of feet to the left, giving him a better advantage of scoring - which he did.

There were no appeals from the Dallas players - who also failed to recognise - but those watching spotted it on a second look.

One user tweeted: "This video of Lionel Messi slowly and sneakily moving the ball a few feet to the left so he has a better angle on his free kick is a good reminder that even the world's best athletes are constantly looking for an edge."

Another said: "Considering where the ball ended up going in, these slight movements made all the difference in actually scoring. That’s artistic genius by Messi."

Inter Miami continue their Leagues Cup journey with a game against Charlotte FC on Friday.

Related links:

• Fans think Lionel Messi’s free-kick was ‘rigged’ after FC Dallas own goal
• David Beckham’s incredible reaction to Lionel Messi free kick goes viral
• MLS coach on the ‘special treatment’ Lionel Messi is getting from referees