Messi drives forward and wins a free kick in Valencia’s half after being fouled while attacking. His surge helps Barcelona push play into a dangerous area before halftime.

Messi unleashes a left-footed shot from outside the box following a corner, but the effort drifts just wide to the right of goal. It’s a decent opening that narrowly fails to break the deadlock.

From outside the area, Messi hits a driven left-footed shot on target, but goalkeeper César Sánchez saves it in the center of the goal. Xavi set up the chance with a pass into space.

After a corner, Messi picks out Pedrito with a pass from outside the box, but Pedrito’s right-footed shot flies high and wide. Messi’s creative involvement nearly fashions a breakthrough.

Driving at the Valencia defense, Messi is stopped illegally and earns another free kick in the attacking half. His persistent running keeps Barcelona camped near the opposition box.