Messi came off the bench to enter the match, taking the place of Ronaldinho. The substitution brought a fresh presence onto the field as Ronaldinho left the pitch.

Messi makes a brilliant interception in midfield and immediately links up with Eto’o in a slick one-two, threading the ball into the opposition penalty area. The move carves open the defense and puts their attack in a dangerous position.

Messi makes a long recovery run all the way back, steps in to intercept, and successfully breaks up the opponent’s long pass.

Messi tracks back to the right side to help in defense, then drives forward on a long dribble but is brought down by the defender.

Messi continued to operate on the right flank, drew four defenders and slipped a precise through ball to his teammate, whose shot unfortunately came back off the post. A brilliant move went inches away from turning into a goal.