Messi receives a pass from Neymar in the box and fires with his right foot from the centre, but his shot drifts just wide to the right. It’s an early warning sign as Barcelona push for the opener.

From a corner situation, Messi delivers a precise cross into the centre of the box, where Ivan Rakitić meets it with a header that goes just wide to the right. The quality of Messi’s delivery carves out a clear chance that narrowly misses.

Messi drives forward in the attacking half, carrying the ball past Granada pressure before being fouled to win a free kick in a dangerous area. His movement keeps Barcelona on the front foot.

On the ensuing attack, Messi unleashes a left-footed shot from outside the box, but a Granada defender blocks the effort before it can trouble the goalkeeper. The strike had power but no way through the crowded defence.

Messi spots Luis Suárez’s run and attempts a through ball that splits the defence, but Suárez is flagged offside before the move can develop. The idea is sharp, though the timing is just off.

Messi strikes again from outside the box with his left foot, but his shot is blocked by a Granada defender before reaching the goal. Barcelona continue to rely on his shooting to break down the visitors’ deep block.

Paco Alcácer threads a through ball into the box for Messi, who meets it with a left-footed shot from the centre that flies over the bar. It’s a clear late chance that could have sealed the game more comfortably.