Jordi Alba’s cutback pops up invitingly and Messi lashes a left‑footed half‑volley through a crowd into the corner, a clean, rising strike that caps his brace and seals career La Liga goal number 444 on the day he reaches 1000 direct goal contributions.
From just inside the box, Messi calmly lifts a delicate left‑footed lob over the onrushing Rayo keeper to double Barça’s lead, a composed chip that also brings up his 227th La Liga goal and 373rd of his career.
An acrobatic overhead kick from close range, with Messi almost horizontal as he hooks Paredes’ lofted pass over his shoulder into the far corner, turns a routine Ligue 1 opener into a late-career showpiece for goal number 772.
Ronaldinho scoops a pass over the defence and Messi, almost side-on to goal, delicately lifts a first-time lob over the onrushing keeper, sealing the win and marking his very first Barcelona and La Liga goal.