Messi threads a clever through ball to Dani Alves on the right, setting up a clear shooting chance that Alves fires over the bar. It’s an early sign of Messi’s vision opening up Viktoria Plzeň’s defense.

Messi slides a precise pass into the box for Andrés Iniesta, who finishes with his left foot into the bottom right corner to put Barcelona 1–0 up. The assist showcases Messi’s timing and weight of pass in tight spaces.

Messi attempts another incisive through ball to release Iniesta, but the move is cut short when Iniesta is flagged offside. The play underlines Messi’s constant probing of the defensive line.

Messi latches onto a pass from David Villa and shoots left-footed from close range on the left side of the six-yard box, but the keeper saves low to his left. It’s a sharp chance that tests Viktoria Plzeň’s defense.

Messi combines with Iniesta, feeding him outside the box for a right-footed attempt that flies high and wide. The move shows Messi orchestrating attacks even when the final shot misfires.

Running onto a through ball from Sergio Busquets, Messi shoots left-footed from the right side of the six-yard box and narrowly misses to the right. The chance is inches away from doubling Barcelona’s lead.

Messi wins a free kick in the attacking half after being fouled, setting up a dangerous set-piece opportunity for Barcelona. His movement draws a critical infringement from Viktoria Plzeň’s defense.

From the resulting direct free kick, Messi curls a left-footed strike from outside the box that beats the keeper but smashes off the left post. It’s a brilliant effort that comes agonizingly close to a trademark free-kick goal.

Messi receives a pass from Dani Alves and shoots left-footed from the left side of the six-yard box, but again the keeper saves low in the bottom left corner. Barcelona continues to press with Messi at the heart of the chances.

Messi is found by Pedro inside the box and fires a left-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard area that crashes off the right post. He hits woodwork for the second time, underlining how close he is to scoring.

Messi lays the ball off to Xavi outside the box, and Xavi’s right-footed effort sails high and wide. The sequence highlights Messi’s role in facilitating shooting opportunities for his midfield partner.

Play is briefly halted as Messi receives treatment for an injury, momentarily pausing Barcelona’s attacking rhythm. He remains on the pitch after the delay.

In stoppage time, Messi’s left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked after a pass from Dani Alves, denying him a late scoring chance. The defense closes him down quickly at the crucial moment.