Messi threads a pass to David Villa, whose right-footed shot from outside the box flies high and wide of the right post.

Messi’s header from the centre of the box is directed low toward the bottom left corner but is saved by goalkeeper Diego López.

Messi makes a run onto Xavi’s through ball but the attack is halted as he is flagged offside.

Messi attempts a through ball to Pedro, but the move is stopped when Pedro is ruled offside.

Messi again looks to release Pedro with a through ball, only for Pedro to be caught offside once more.

From a direct free kick outside the box, Messi curls a left-footed effort that narrowly misses the top right corner.

Messi commits a foul while challenging for the ball in the second half, briefly halting Barcelona’s momentum.

Messi finishes from a difficult angle on the right, driving a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner after a precise through ball from Pedro.

Messi is caught offside while trying to latch onto a through ball from Pedro, stopping another promising Barcelona attack.

Messi pounces in the six-yard box, steering a left-footed shot from very close range into the bottom left corner to make it 3–1.

Messi is again flagged offside as he looks to run onto a through ball from Seydou Keita late in the match.

Messi unleashes a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, but his effort is blocked by the Villarreal defense.

Messi carries the ball in the attacking half and wins a free kick after being fouled, keeping Villarreal under pressure late on.