Messi drifts wide right and bends in a precise cross that finds Thierry Henry at point‑blank range, but Henry’s header flies just over the bar. It goes down as a missed chance for Henry but showcases Messi’s creative delivery from the flank.

Operating between the lines, Messi slides a pass out to Xavi, who unleashes a right‑footed shot from distance that whistles just wide of the left post. The move underlines Messi’s role as the creative hub feeding Barcelona’s midfield shooters.

Messi attempts a piercing through ball to send Thierry Henry in behind, but Henry strays offside and the attack is halted. The idea was sharp, yet the timing between the two forwards is just off.

Receiving a pass from Dani Alves on the right, Messi drives into the box and lashes a right‑footed shot from a tight angle that skims just wide of the far post. It’s a dangerous individual attempt that nearly beats the keeper from an acute position.

Messi carries the ball down the right wing, jinking past his marker before being fouled, earning Barcelona a free kick in an advanced wide position. His close control and change of pace force Espanyol into a cynical challenge.

Just before halftime, Messi is brought down again as he drives forward, winning a free kick in a central attacking area. Espanyol struggle to contain his forward surges without resorting to fouls.

From the resulting direct free kick, Messi curls a left‑footed effort from outside the box that only just misses the top‑left corner. The shot has the keeper beaten but drifts inches over, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Messi cuts inside from the right and strikes a powerful left‑footed shot from outside the box toward the bottom‑left corner, forcing Kameni into a save. It’s one of Barcelona’s clearest efforts on goal as they chase an equaliser.

Following a set‑piece routine, Messi swings in a dangerous cross that finds Sergio Busquets in the center of the box, but Busquets’ header drifts wide to the left. Messi again provides quality delivery that Barcelona fail to convert.

Deep into regulation, Messi receives a layoff from Gerard Piqué in the crowded box and fires a left‑footed shot from close range that is blocked by the defence. Espanyol’s packed back line just manages to smother his attempt.

In the same late attacking spell, Messi delivers a high cross into the box that reaches Carles Puyol, whose header is also blocked by Espanyol defenders. Barcelona pile on pressure through Messi’s service, but the visitors hold firm.