Messi bursts into the box and hits a left‑footed shot from the centre of the area, but his effort is blocked after a through ball from Jordi Alba.

Messi carries the ball forward in Espanyol’s half and is fouled, winning a free kick in an advanced attacking position.

Messi again drives at the Espanyol defence and is brought down, earning another free kick in the attacking half.

From outside the box, Messi tries a left‑footed effort that is blocked by the Espanyol defence.

Messi finds space in the centre of the box and shoots with his left foot, sending the ball just wide to the right.

Messi makes a run in behind for Ivan Rakitić’s through ball but is flagged offside as he looks to break the defensive line.

Messi is fouled in Espanyol territory after advancing with the ball, winning the dangerous free kick that sets up his opener.

Messi curls a sublime left‑footed free kick from the edge of the area into the bottom right corner, breaking the deadlock for Barcelona.

On a fast break, Messi receives a pass from Malcom and shoots left‑footed from the centre of the box, but his effort flies high and wide to the left.

Messi is whistled for a foul after a challenge, halting Barcelona’s attack as he battles for the ball in midfield.

Messi caps the win by finishing with his left foot from the centre of the box after a tidy assist from Malcom, making it 2–0 to Barcelona.