Early in the match Messi carries the ball forward and wins a free kick in the attacking half, putting Barcelona immediately on the front foot.

Messi again drives at Sporting’s defense and draws another foul for a free kick in the attacking half, keeping constant pressure on the visitors.

On the right wing Messi beats his marker and is fouled, earning a free kick in the attacking half from a dangerous wide position.

Messi leads a swift counterattack and slips a precise pass to Samuel Eto'o, who finishes from close range to put Barcelona 2–0 up.

Messi creates another chance with a clever pass to Samuel Eto'o, whose right‑footed shot from the left side of the box is saved.

Receiving a pass from Sergio Busquets, Messi fires a left‑footed shot from the center of the box that is saved low in the right corner.

Messi threads a pass into the right side of the box for Dani Alves, who blasts his shot high into the net to make it 3–0.

Messi continues to torment Sporting’s back line, driving forward and winning yet another free kick in the attacking half.

In the closing moments Messi latches onto a pass from Eidur Gudjohnsen and curls a left‑footed shot from the right side of the box just wide of the left post.