Messi cuts in from a tight angle on the left and unleashes a left‑footed shot that is blocked by the defence after a pass from Seydou Keita.

Messi is whistled for a handball while contesting possession, briefly halting Barcelona's attack.

Messi commits a foul as he challenges for the ball, giving Villarreal a free kick and relieving some pressure.

Messi slides a pass to Seydou Keita outside the box, whose left‑footed shot is blocked by a defender.

Messi picks out Xavi on the edge of the area, and Xavi’s right‑footed effort from distance is saved low to the bottom right corner.

Messi threads a precise through ball to Samuel Eto'o on the right of the box, but Eto'o’s right‑footed shot is saved in the centre of the goal.

Messi drives forward in the attacking half and draws a foul, winning a dangerous free kick for Barcelona.

Messi lays the ball off to Thierry Henry outside the box, and Henry’s powerful right‑footed shot is tipped over and saved high in the centre of the goal.

Messi beats his marker on the left wing and is fouled, earning Barcelona a free kick in an advanced wide position.

Deep in stoppage time, Messi takes on a long‑range left‑footed shot from outside the box that is blocked after being set up by Xavi.