Messi latches onto a pass from Jordi Alba inside the right side of the box but sends his left‑footed effort high and wide of the far post. It’s an early warning as he finds space following a corner routine.

Driving forward in the attacking half, Messi weaves past Espanyol pressure before being fouled, winning a dangerous free kick for Barcelona.

Messi breaks the deadlock, bursting onto Ivan Rakitic’s through ball and firing a left‑footed shot from the center of the box into the top left corner. The precise finish leaves Pau López with no chance.

Messi combines with Ivan Rakitic in the box and sees his right‑footed effort from the right side of the six‑yard area blocked at close range. The loose ball leads to further chances in a sustained spell of pressure.

Messi doubles Barcelona’s lead, arriving near the goalmouth to sweep in a right‑footed finish from very close range after a cutback from Jordi Alba. He calmly slots the ball into the center of the net.

Messi threads a pass into the box for Luis Suárez, whose left‑footed shot from the center of the area whistles just over the top left corner. The move showcases Messi’s vision between the lines.

Messi attacks Gerard Deulofeu’s cross, taking a left‑footed shot from the center of the box that is blocked by the Espanyol defense before it can test the goalkeeper.

Messi slips a clever ball to Luis Suárez in the six‑yard box, but Suárez’s left‑footed effort from a tight angle flies too high. The chance stems from Messi’s sharp combination play.

Messi tries to release Gerard Deulofeu with a through ball behind the defense, but the move is cut short as Deulofeu is flagged offside just as he breaks free.

Completing his hat‑trick, Messi meets Jordi Alba’s low cutback in the center of the box and steers a left‑footed shot into the bottom right corner. The crisp finish seals a dominant personal display.

Messi picks up a pass from Luis Suárez outside the box and unleashes a left‑footed shot that sails just too high. From distance he again threatens Espanyol’s goal but can’t keep it down.

Carrying the ball in the attacking half, Messi draws defenders and is fouled, earning Barcelona another advanced free kick and maintaining pressure on Espanyol.

From outside the box, Messi lines up another left‑footed effort but his shot is blocked by a defender before it can reach the goal. Espanyol throw bodies in the way to deny him.