Messi slaloms down the right, wriggling out of a tight space and weaving into the box before being blocked just in front of goal, setting the tone for his night. Sevilla’s defence is immediately unsettled by his mesmeric dribbling.

In the opening ten minutes Messi repeatedly tears at Sevilla’s back line, running riot as Barcelona dominate possession and territory. His movement and control keep Sevilla under constant pressure.

Jesús Navas picks up a needless yellow card after kicking the ball away following a foul on Messi, a sign of Sevilla’s frustration at trying to stop him. The winger’s petulance gives Barcelona a free kick and relieves pressure.

Dragutinovic and Poulsen begin double-marking Messi, tracking him tightly around the pitch as Sevilla adjust their defensive scheme to contain his influence. The increased pressure limits his space but shows the threat he poses.

Dragutinovic is booked for a clumsy challenge from behind on Messi, who yet again proves difficult to mark. The foul underlines how often defenders are forced into rash tackles to stop his runs.

With Henry moving wider, Messi now spearheads Barcelona’s attack through the middle, though the new shape has yet to unlock Sevilla. He leads the line, continually probing for space between the defenders.

Henry turns provider, slipping the ball to Messi inside the box, where he flicks it up and acrobatically volleys low into the bottom corner for a sublime opener. The finish combines quick thinking, superb technique, and perfect timing.

From the spot, Messi calmly strokes home a nonchalant penalty, sending the ball past Palop with ease to complete his brace. His composed finish effectively puts the game beyond Sevilla’s reach.

Barcelona string together a sweeping move down the left as Henry and Messi combine, ending with Messi drilling a powerful shot on goal that Palop stands tall to block, denying him a hat-trick. The chance highlights their sharp link-up and Messi’s relentless search for another goal.

Messi is substituted to a standing, rapturous ovation as Bojan comes on in his place after his two-goal performance has turned the match. The change caps a decisive display from the Argentine star.