Messi threads a through ball that releases Dani Alves, but the move is halted as Alves is flagged offside. It shows Messi’s early intent to unlock Elche’s defense with his passing.

Messi delivers a short corner combination that sets up Ivan Rakitić, whose powerful right-footed shot from distance flies just wide of the post. The move highlights Messi’s creativity on set plays.

Messi drifts into space outside the box and unleashes a left-footed shot that sails over the crossbar after being teed up by Rafinha. It’s an ambitious long-range effort that just lacks accuracy.

Messi commits a foul in midfield, stopping Elche’s attempt to break forward. The infringement underlines his willingness to press and disrupt the opposition, though it risks disciplinary action.

Messi unlocks the defense with a clever pass to Andrés Iniesta, whose curling left-footed strike from outside the box crashes against the crossbar. The move nearly results in a stunning goal born from Messi’s vision.

Rakitić attempts a through ball toward Messi making a run behind the defense, but Messi is caught offside and the attack is halted. The sequence shows his constant movement to get in behind Elche’s back line.

Messi opens the scoring with a precise left-footed shot from the center of the box, guiding the ball into the bottom right corner after a smart assist from Sergio Busquets. The clinical finish gives Barcelona a deserved 1–0 lead.

Messi strikes again from the center of the area, firing a left-footed shot low into the bottom left corner to make it 3–0. His composed finish effectively kills off the match as a contest.

Soon after scoring, Messi wins a free kick in the attacking half by drawing a foul while driving forward with the ball. His close control forces Elche’s defenders into a desperate challenge.

Messi is whistled for a foul, halting Elche’s attempt to build an attack. The challenge reflects his active defensive contribution high up the pitch.

Messi earns another free kick in the attacking half after being fouled while carrying the ball at Elche’s defense. His persistent dribbling continues to draw heavy pressure and fouls.

Late in the match, Messi wins a free kick in the attacking half by enticing a foul as he protects the ball. Even near full time, he remains a constant menace to Elche’s back line.