Messi slips a precise pass into the box for Dani Alves, whose right‑footed effort from the centre of the area is saved by Iraizoz. It’s an early example of Messi’s vision opening up Athletic’s defence.

Messi cuts inside and unleashes a left‑footed shot from outside the box that bends just wide of the left post after a layoff from Dani Alves. The strike has Iraizoz beaten but narrowly misses.

Messi threads a superb through ball into the box for Andrés Iniesta, whose right‑footed shot from the centre of the area is pushed away low to the corner by Iraizoz. The pass carves open Athletic’s back line.

Messi drives forward in the attacking half, drawing defenders before being fouled and winning a dangerous free kick for Barcelona. His close control forces Athletic into a cynical challenge.

Running onto a through ball from Cesc Fàbregas, Messi fires a left‑footed shot from the right side of the box that is saved by Iraizoz in the centre of the goal. It’s a clear chance that the keeper manages to block.

Messi tries his luck with a left‑footed shot from outside the box, but a defender closes him down and blocks the effort before it can test Iraizoz. Athletic’s pressure denies him space.

Messi again drives at the Athletic defence in the attacking half and is brought down, earning another advanced free kick for Barcelona. His constant probing keeps Bilbao under pressure.

From a corner routine, Messi delivers a curling cross into the six‑yard box that finds Thiago Alcântara, whose right‑footed shot from close range flies just wide of the left post. Messi’s delivery creates a huge chance.

Messi slides a pass to David Villa on the left side of the box, and Villa’s left‑footed shot towards the bottom right corner is saved by Iraizoz. The move shows Messi dropping deep to create for his striker.

In the final minute, Messi latches onto a loose ball in the box after a set‑piece scramble and coolly strikes a left‑footed shot from the centre of the area into the bottom right corner, making it 2–2. His late goal salvages a draw for Barcelona.