Messi slides a clever pass into the box for Luis Suárez, whose left‑footed shot from the centre of the area is saved. It’s an early example of Messi’s vision opening up Leganés’ defence.

Messi cuts in and unleashes a left‑footed shot from outside the box, but a defender blocks the effort before it can test the keeper. The move shows his intent to threaten from distance.

Driving forward in the attacking half, Messi draws a foul as Leganés’ defenders struggle to stop his run, winning a dangerous free kick for Barcelona. His close control forces the defence into a mistake.

From the resulting free kick, Messi curls a sublime left‑footed strike into the bottom right corner to make it 1–0. The wall and keeper are beaten by the precision and dip on the shot.

Messi times his run perfectly onto Coutinho’s through ball, then finishes with a composed left‑footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner for 2–0. The combination slices open Leganés’ back line.

Messi attempts a through ball to Luis Suárez after a probing build‑up, but Suárez is caught offside and the move is halted. The idea shows Messi looking to exploit the high defensive line.

On the right wing, Messi’s control and change of direction draw a foul, earning Barcelona another free kick in advanced territory. His movement keeps Leganés pinned back.

Messi commits a foul in midfield as he attempts to win the ball back, momentarily halting a Leganés move. It reflects his willingness to engage defensively.

Receiving the ball from André Gomes on the left side of the box, Messi fires a left‑footed shot that flashes wide to the right. It’s a close miss after a well‑worked move.

Messi latches onto a through ball from Nélson Semedo on the right and strikes from long range with his left foot, but the shot is tipped away from the top right corner by the goalkeeper. The effort tests Leganés from distance.

Surging forward again, Messi draws another foul in the attacking half to win a free kick as Leganés defenders struggle to contain him. His persistent dribbling maintains Barcelona’s pressure.

Messi completes his hat‑trick by finishing from very close range with his left foot into the bottom left corner, making it 3–1. Ousmane Dembélé provides the assist after working the ball into the area.

In the closing moments, Messi commits another foul, breaking up play as Leganés try to push forward. The challenge helps Barcelona manage the game late on.