Messi drives into the box and hits a left-footed shot from the centre that is saved by Espanyol keeper Francesco Bardi in the middle of the goal.

Messi lays the ball off for Dani Alves outside the box, and Alves’ right-footed shot flies high and wide, wasting a promising move started by Messi.

Messi drives forward on the right wing, beating his marker before being fouled and winning a free kick in an advanced wide position.

Messi swings in a cross that finds Munir El Haddadi free in the centre of the box, but Munir’s header goes just wide of the right post.

From the right side of the area, Messi unleashes a left-footed effort that is pushed away low to the far corner by goalkeeper Francesco Bardi after a pass from Dani Alves.

Messi threads a precise through ball into the box for Munir El Haddadi, who finishes with a left-footed shot from close range into the bottom left corner to put Barcelona 1–0 up.

Carrying the ball through the attacking half, Messi’s close control draws a foul from Espanyol, earning Barcelona another free kick in a dangerous area.

Messi tries a left-footed strike from outside the box, but his attempt is blocked by the Espanyol defence before it can test the goalkeeper.

In the second half, Messi again attracts defenders in the attacking half and is chopped down, securing a free kick for Barcelona.

Messi carries the ball deep in Espanyol territory, is impeded by a defender, and wins yet another free kick in a threatening position.