Messi latches onto a through ball from Andrés Iniesta on the right side of the box and fires with his left foot, but his shot drifts just wide to the left. It’s an early clear chance that narrowly misses the target.

Messi carries the ball in his own half under pressure and is fouled, earning a free kick and relieving the defensive strain on Barcelona. His close control invites the challenge that brings the whistle.

From outside the box, Messi unleashes a powerful right‑footed effort that is heading for the top centre of the goal, but Diego Alves tips it over with a sharp save. The long‑range strike tests the goalkeeper from distance.

Driving forward in the attacking half, Messi’s run draws a foul and he wins a dangerous free kick for Barcelona. His movement again forces Almería’s defence into a mistimed challenge.

Messi attempts a through ball to Zlatan Ibrahimović on the break, but the Swede mistimes his run and is flagged offside before the attack can develop. The creative pass highlights Messi’s vision despite the stoppage.

Pedrito looks to slide Messi through on goal, but Messi’s run is just ahead of the line and he is caught offside, halting a promising attack. The move shows Barcelona’s intent to find Messi in behind.

Messi links up in midfield and lays the ball off for Xavi, who steps up from distance and forces a save with his right‑footed shot from outside the box. Messi’s pass helps create one of Barcelona’s better second‑half chances.

Messi again acts as creator, setting up Rafael Márquez for a right‑footed drive from outside the area that is saved in the centre of the goal by Diego Alves. His distribution continues to trouble Almería from range.

Combining with Dani Alves, Messi takes a left‑footed shot from outside the box, but the effort is blocked before it can test the keeper. The move shows quick interplay down the right before Almería’s defence closes him down.

In the closing moments, Messi is penalised for dangerous play, drawing the referee’s sanction as Barcelona see out the narrow win. The incident caps a combative performance without changing the result.