Messi threads a brilliant through ball to David Villa, whose long-range shot smashes off the right post from outside the box. It’s an early warning of Messi’s creative influence breaking Atlético’s back line.

Messi opens the scoring with a composed left-footed finish from the center of the box, guiding the ball into the bottom left corner after running onto Pedro’s through pass. The goal caps a slick Barcelona move and puts Barça 1–0 up.

Messi commits a foul midway through the first half, halting Atlético’s attempt to break forward. The challenge underlines how involved he is both in attack and in pressing off the ball.

Messi receives a through ball from Dani Alves and lashes a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it flies high and wide to the left. It’s a promising chance that he fails to keep on target.

From the left side of the box, Messi’s left-footed effort is blocked after being set up by David Villa. Atlético’s defense just manages to close him down before he can trouble the goalkeeper.

Messi delivers a dangerous cross following a corner, and Gerard Piqué pounces with a right-footed shot from close range into the bottom left corner. The assist helps restore Barcelona’s lead at 2–1.

Messi again slices open Atlético’s defense with a through ball to David Villa, whose left-footed shot from the left side of the box goes just wide of the far post. The move shows Messi’s vision repeatedly creating clear chances.

Deep in his own half, Messi carries the ball and draws a foul, winning a free kick for Barcelona and relieving pressure on the defense. His ball control helps Barça reset and slow Atlético’s momentum.

Messi breaks into the center of the box onto a through ball from Gerard Piqué and shoots with his left foot, but the effort is saved in the middle of the goal by the Atlético keeper. It’s a big chance that is denied at close range.

In stoppage time, Messi wins a free kick in the attacking half after being fouled while carrying the ball, keeping Atlético pinned back as Barcelona looks to close out the match. His persistence forces another defensive mistake.

Late on, play is delayed as Messi goes down injured, signaling the end of his night after a heavy challenge. The incident disrupts the rhythm of the closing minutes and raises concern as he receives treatment.

Because of the injury, Messi is substituted off in stoppage time and replaced by Bojan. Barcelona protect their lead while removing their star forward in the dying moments.