Messi slips a precise through ball into the box for Coutinho, whose right‑footed effort from the centre of the area is saved by Bounou. It’s an early example of Messi unlocking Girona’s defence with his vision.

Receiving a pass from Suárez, Messi unleashes a left‑footed shot from outside the box that whistles just wide of the left post. The effort narrowly misses, showcasing his long‑range threat.

Messi drives forward in the attacking half and is fouled as he looks to combine, earning Barcelona a free kick in a dangerous area. His close control draws Girona’s defence into a mistake.

Messi lines up a left‑footed shot from outside the box, but his effort is closed down and blocked by Girona’s defence. The attempt comes after sustained pressure around the area.

Messi attempts a clever through ball to release Rakitić, but the midfielder strays offside and the move is halted. The pass shows Messi’s intent to penetrate Girona’s back line.

Early in the second half, Messi carries the ball in the attacking half and is fouled, winning another advanced free kick for Barcelona. His movement immediately puts Girona under pressure after the restart.

From the resulting direct free kick, Messi curls a left‑footed effort from outside the box that sails just too high over the bar. The strike has Bounou beaten but lacks the dip to hit the target.

Messi again drives at Girona in the attacking half and is brought down, earning yet another dangerous free kick. His continuous ball carrying keeps Girona’s defenders on edge.

Messi takes on a left‑footed effort from outside the box, but the shot is blocked before it can test the goalkeeper. Girona’s defenders step out quickly to smother his attempt.

Combining with Coutinho, Messi receives the return and fires a left‑footed shot from the centre of the box, but his effort is blocked by a defender. The one‑two opens space, yet Girona still manages to get a body in the way.

Alba bursts down the left and cuts the ball back into the centre of the box, where Messi arrives to sweep a composed left‑footed finish into the middle of the net, doubling Barcelona’s lead at 2–0. It’s a classic Alba‑to‑Messi combination, calmly finished.

Messi finds space in the centre of the box and hits a left‑footed shot toward the bottom‑right corner, but Bounou reacts sharply to save. Suárez’s earlier involvement helps open the lane for Messi’s dangerous attempt.

Messi lays the ball back to Rakitić outside the box, and the Croatian midfielder’s right‑footed strike is saved low at the bottom‑right corner by Bounou. Messi’s pass sets up a clean shooting lane from distance.