Messi commits a foul in the opening stages, halting Espanyol’s buildup in midfield.

Messi’s left‑footed shot from the center of the box is blocked after a neat setup from Neymar.

Messi drives forward and wins a free kick in the attacking half after being fouled by Espanyol’s defense.

From the resulting direct free kick, Messi’s left‑footed strike from outside the box flies just over the bar.

Messi’s header from the center of the box is aimed low to the bottom left corner but Casilla makes the save after a headed pass from Alexis Sánchez.

Messi wins another free kick in the attacking half after a driving run that draws a foul from Espanyol.

Messi’s direct free kick from outside the box bends dangerously but whistles just wide of the left post.

Deep in his own half, Messi drops back and wins a defensive free kick, relieving pressure on Barcelona.

Messi slips a pass to Dani Alves outside the box, leading to a right‑footed shot that goes just wide of the right post.

Moments later, Messi unleashes a left‑footed effort from outside the box that is blocked after being set up by Cesc Fàbregas.