Watch: Lionel Messi almost scores on bicycle kick vs. Atletico

The goal would have equalized for Barcelona.

Lionel Messi nearly came up with a spectacular equalizer for Barcelona in Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Atletico Madrid. 

Fernando Torres gave Atletico the lead in the first half before he was sent off following a second yellow card. With Atletico down to 10 men, Barcelona nearly leveled the game courtesy of a Messi bicycle kick attempt. 

On the near–goal, Neymar crossed the ball to Messi, who took the ball on his chest in the box. He attempted a bicycle shot on goal, but his attempt came up just wide. 

Had Messi scored, it would have been his 500th goal for club and country at the senior level. 

Watch Messi's near–golazo below. 

So. Close. 😱 Lionel Messi gets on his 🚲 and nearly equalizes for Barcelona. #UCLonFOX #UCL https://t.co/Y8wRHWj3XV

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 5, 2016

The second leg of Barcelona's quarterfinal tie with Atletico Madrid will be played on April 13. 

- Stanley Kay