Messi unleashes a left‑footed strike from outside the box that is heading for the top centre, but goalkeeper Diego López reacts well to make the save. Dani Alves sets up the chance with a pass into space.

From the left side of the six‑yard box, Messi fires a close‑range left‑footed effort that is blocked by the defence after Seydou Keita nods the ball down to him. It’s an early threat from point‑blank range.

Messi breaks through on the left side of the area, latching onto Xavi’s precise through ball and coolly slots a left‑footed shot into the bottom left corner to open the scoring. It’s a classic Messi run and finish.

Cutting in from the left side of the box, Messi gets another left‑footed shot away, but his attempt is blocked by a Villarreal defender after Xavi finds him in space. Barcelona keep Villarreal under constant pressure.

Messi combines with Dani Alves, feeding him outside the box before Alves’ right‑footed drive is blocked. The move highlights Messi’s playmaking, drawing defenders then releasing his teammate.

From outside the box, Messi curls a left‑footed shot that goes just wide to the left, narrowly missing the target after being set up by Dani Alves. It’s a dangerous effort that almost adds to his tally.

Messi commits a foul in midfield, briefly halting Barcelona’s momentum and giving Villarreal a free‑kick. It shows his willingness to press and challenge for the ball.

On the left wing, Messi wins a free‑kick after being fouled, relieving pressure and allowing Barcelona to reset high up the pitch. His close control draws the defender into the challenge.

Messi strikes again from the centre of the box, meeting Dani Alves’ pass and finishing with a composed right‑footed shot into the bottom right corner to make it 4–1. It caps a dominant performance with a brace.

In the closing minutes, Messi is substituted off and replaced by Jeffrén Suárez, leaving the pitch after an influential display and two goals. Barcelona use the change to rest their star with the game won.