Messi cuts inside and unleashes a left‑footed shot from outside the box, but his effort is blocked after combining with Paulo Dybala.

Messi drives forward in the attacking half and draws a foul, winning a free kick in a dangerous central area.

Messi attempts a through ball that releases Paulo Dybala, but the move is halted when Dybala is flagged offside.

Messi is fouled on the left wing after carrying the ball forward, earning another free kick in an advanced wide position.

From a corner routine, Messi swings in a precise cross that finds Mauro Icardi, whose header from the centre of the box flies high and wide.

Messi wins a free kick on the right wing after being brought down while attacking down that flank.

Messi receives a pass from Éver Banega on the right side of the box and fires a left‑footed shot that is blocked by the Venezuelan defence.

Taking a direct free kick from outside the box, Messi curls a left‑footed effort that drifts just wide to the right of the goal.

Messi draws another foul in the attacking half right before halftime, securing a late free‑kick opportunity for Argentina.

Messi sets up Paulo Dybala with a pass outside the box, and Dybala’s powerful left‑footed shot towards the top left corner is pushed away by the keeper.

Messi delivers a teasing ball into the box that finds Éver Banega, whose header from the left side is saved low in the bottom left corner.

Deep in his own half late in the match, Messi is fouled while carrying the ball, earning a defensive free kick to relieve pressure.