Messi threads a precise through ball to Pedro, whose powerful right-footed shot from outside the box is saved by Iraizoz. The pass slices open Athletic's defense but the keeper stands firm.

Messi receives a return pass from Pedro and fires a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but Iraizoz saves it straight in front of goal. It’s a clear chance that the Athletic keeper manages to block.

From a set piece situation, Messi picks out Dani Alves on the edge of the area, but Alves’ right-footed shot from distance drifts wide to the left. Messi’s vision creates the opening even though the finish is off target.

Messi tries to break in behind Athletic’s back line onto a through ball from Iniesta, but the flag goes up for offside. His sharp run unsettles the defense even though play is stopped.

Messi drives forward in the attacking half and draws a foul from an Athletic defender, earning Barcelona a dangerous free kick. His close control forces the opponent into a mistimed challenge.

Messi slips a pass into the box for Adriano on the left, whose right-footed effort is blocked by the defense. The move shows Messi’s ability to unlock space on the flank.

From a direct free kick outside the box, Messi strikes a left-footed effort that flies high and wide to the left. It’s an ambitious attempt that doesn’t trouble Iraizoz.

Messi latches onto a pass from Alexis Sánchez and shoots left-footed from the center of the box, sending the ball just wide to the right. It’s a very close chance that narrowly misses the target.

Messi makes a run in behind to latch onto a through ball from Alexis Sánchez, but he is ruled offside. The movement again stretches Athletic’s defensive line despite the stoppage.

Messi drives at the Athletic defense in the attacking half and is fouled, winning a crucial free kick in a dangerous central position. This run sets up the chance that will decide the match.

Messi steps up to the resulting free kick and curls a precise left-footed shot into the bottom left corner, beating Iraizoz to put Barcelona 2–1 ahead. It’s a trademark set-piece winner that turns the game around.