WATCH : Lionel Messi scores a brilliant free-kick against Las Palmas

It was inevitable.

The moment Messi stood over the ball and sized up the goal, several commentators tempted fate by saying that Messi was wondering where to put the ball in the goal.

They were proved to be right about 30 seconds later, as Messi smashed the ball into the top corner. As the little Argentine wheeled away in delight, the on-air commentators started to laugh, as they could only marvel at Messi’s genius.

Messi has had a brilliant season for Barcelona, as the Argentine has shown glimpses of some of his best form this year. Things looked grim for Barcelona after Neymar left them in a world record move to PSG.

After comprehensively being beaten by arch rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, the Catalan side looked bereft of confidence. Messi’s slump shoulders told the entire story that day, as the Argentine almost looked fed up with the club.

But things have completely turned around in a matter of months, as Real find themselves floundering down the league standings, while Barcelona are flying high.

Barcelona’s addition of Coutinho in January only strengthened their already impressive side, as the Catalans are looking very good for another treble this year.

WATCH MESSI’S GOAL :