Messi threads a through ball to Pedro, but the move is halted as Pedro is flagged offside after timing his run too early.

Messi lays the ball off for Dani Alves in the box, whose left‑footed shot from the centre is blocked by the Rayo defence.

Released by a through ball from Luis Suárez, Messi cuts in from the right side of the box and drives a left‑footed shot just wide of the right post.

Messi calmly converts from the spot, striking a left‑footed penalty low into the bottom right corner to make it 3–0.

After a scramble near goal, Messi pounces from point‑blank range and sweeps a left‑footed shot into the centre of the net for his second of the match.

Messi drives forward and wins a free kick in the attacking half after being fouled, keeping sustained pressure on Rayo’s defence.

From outside the box, Messi unleashes a curling left‑footed effort that is heading for the bottom left corner, but the goalkeeper saves it.

Breaking into the six‑yard box on the left, Messi meets Pedro’s cross and finishes with his left foot into the centre of the goal to complete his hat‑trick.

Messi attempts another incisive through ball toward Pedro, but once again the flag goes up as Pedro is caught offside.

Driving at the Rayo back line, Messi is brought down and wins another free kick in the attacking half, drawing a foul under pressure.

On a fast break, Suárez squares the ball to Messi in the right side of the six‑yard box, but Messi’s right‑footed shot flashes just wide of the right post.

Rafinha looks to release Messi with a through ball, but Messi’s run behind the defence is ruled offside and the attack is stopped.