Messi carries the ball out from defense and draws a foul in Barcelona’s half, relieving early Espanyol pressure.

Messi threads a pass to Neymar, whose right-footed effort from the center of the box is blocked by the Espanyol defense.

Messi is penalized for a handball, stopping play as Barcelona try to build an attack.

Messi sets up Ivan Rakitic for a right-footed shot from outside the box, but the attempt is blocked before it can test the goalkeeper.

Messi tries a through ball to release Luis Suárez, but the Uruguayan is flagged offside and the attack is halted.

Messi commits a foul, conceding a free kick and briefly easing the pressure on Espanyol.

Messi wins a free kick on the right wing after driving at the Espanyol defense early in the second half.

Messi again draws a foul on the right flank, securing another free kick as he looks to unbalance Espanyol’s back line.

Messi feeds Neymar in the box for a right-footed shot from the left side, but Diego López tips it over toward the top right corner.

Messi drives through the attacking half and is fouled, earning a dangerous free kick position for Barcelona.

From outside the box, Messi unleashes a left-footed strike heading to the top right corner, but Diego López produces a strong save.

Messi presses and wins the ball high before slipping a pass to Ivan Rakitic, who finishes with his left foot from the center of the box into the bottom right corner.

Messi meets Jordi Alba’s pass in the center of the box and fires a left-footed shot toward the bottom right corner, but Diego López saves again.