Messi threads a pass into the box for Luis Suárez, whose right-footed shot from the left side is blocked by the defense. It’s an early sign of Messi’s playmaking, opening Real Sociedad’s back line.

Messi drives down the right wing, holding off challenges and drawing a foul to win a free kick in an advanced wide area. His close control forces Real Sociedad to stop him illegally.

Again on the right flank, Messi keeps the ball under pressure and is fouled, earning another free kick for Barcelona. His persistence on the wing continually puts Real Sociedad’s defense on edge.

Messi is shown a yellow card after a challenge moments after winning a free kick, reflecting the referee’s strict control of the game. It’s a rare booking for him in a tight Copa del Rey clash.

Immediately after, Messi commits another foul while pressing, showing his eagerness to recover possession high up the pitch. The whistle halts Barcelona’s attempt to quickly win the ball back.

Messi slips a precise pass to Neymar on the left side of the box, but Neymar’s right-footed effort curls just wide of the far post. The move highlights Messi’s vision and timing in the final third.

Messi carries the ball in the attacking half and is brought down, earning a dangerous free kick in front of goal. His driving run sets up one of Barcelona’s best set-piece chances.

From the resulting free kick, Messi’s left-footed shot from outside the box flies just over the crossbar, narrowly missing a spectacular goal. The strike leaves the goalkeeper rooted as it whistles past the frame.