Date: April 30, 2005Competition: La Liga – Matchday 29Fixture: FC Barcelona vs. Real SociedadVenue: Camp NouKickoff: 9:00 PMWeather: Clear skies, 17°CAttendance: 88,250
April 29 – The Numbers Game
The Spanish press was already buzzing.
Marca:
"Messi: 29 goals, 33 assists. Unbelievable."
Sport:
"Is 17-year-old Messi the most complete player in Europe?"
In the La Masia gym, Messi stayed after regular training. He worked his core, ran interval sprints, and hit the weights—not to bulk up, but to define.
"I want to last 90 minutes and still be able to sprint in minute 91," he told the strength coach.
He wasn't chasing records. He was chasing readiness.
April 30 – Match Night
Real Sociedad sat mid-table, but they were no slouch. Quick on the break. Strong in the air. And their keeper—Asier Riesgo—was in inspired form all season.
Rijkaard kept the XI stable. Messi started on the right. The Bernabéu still echoed in his steps.
Kickoff – First Half
Minute 1–15
Barcelona dominated possession, but Sociedad were rigid defensively.
Messi's first action: a slick turn past two defenders, feeding Ronaldinho down the left. A cross came in—but Riesgo claimed it.
Minute 12 — Messi received wide, cut inside onto his left foot, and curled one to the far post—
Crossbar.
He looked up, hands on hips. Smiled.
Minute 22 – The Opener
Deco and Xavi combined brilliantly in midfield. Messi sprinted into the channel as Eto'o pulled defenders wide.
Ball through—Messi one-on-one—chips Riesgo—
GOAL. 1–0. FC Barcelona.
Camp Nou exploded.
That was Messi's 30th goal of the season.
He raised three fingers. Then none. Just smiled.
Minute 37 – Spark Again
After a high press, Ronaldinho regained the ball near the box. He flicked it backward to Messi, who played a no-look pass across the area to Giuly.
Shot — saved — rebound back to Messi.
Touch. Touch. Shot—GOAL. 2–0.
Two goals in one half. The fans began chanting his name before halftime:
"¡Messi! ¡Messi! ¡Messi!"
Halftime: 2–0 Barcelona
Inside the locker room, Ronaldinho clapped first.
"He's 17 and he's breaking us all."
Messi just drank his water quietly.
Second Half – The Maestro at Work
Minute 51 — Messi dropped into midfield. Picked the ball up, glided forward. One defender beaten, then another. Quick pass to Eto'o—backheel return.
Messi shoots—Saved.
But the crowd didn't care. They applauded anyway.
Minute 60 — Free kick for Barcelona, 25 yards out.
Messi stepped up.
This time: perfect.
GOAL. 3–0. Hat-trick.
His first senior career hat-trick.
Minute 74 – The Gift
With the game wrapped, Rijkaard subbed Messi off.
Standing ovation.
Even Sociedad's coach clapped.
On the bench, Messi just looked up at the scoreboard. 3–0. His name on all three.
Full-Time: FC Barcelona 3–0 Real Sociedad
Goals: Messi (22', 37', 60')Assists: Ronaldinho, Deco, Eto'o (pre-assist)Man of the Match: Lionel Messi – 3 goals, 5 key passes, 6 dribbles, 2 fouls won
Post-Match Interview – Canal+
Reporter:
"Hat-trick. Man of the Match. League leaders. How are you feeling?"
Messi:
"Happy. Grateful. But I still feel like I have to improve. I see things I could've done better."
Reporter:
"Most would say this was perfection."
Messi:
"Perfection's the next match."
Notebook Entry – April 30, 2005
Anto,My first hat-trick. And it felt… normal. Not because it wasn't special, but because this is my job now.I score. I pass. I play. But I still think of Rosario every night before I sleep.You keep me grounded.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of April 30, 2005)
Season (Club):
Matches: 40
Goals: 32
Assists: 33
Hat-tricks: 1
Free Kick Goals (Match): 3
Free Kick Goals (Training): 29
Dribbles Completed: 212
Fouls Suffered: 103
Career Totals (Club + Country):
Matches: 42
Goals: 35
Assists: 36
Dribbles Completed: 228
National Team Caps (Senior): 0
National Team Goals: 0
La Liga Standings (After Matchday 29):
1st: FC Barcelona – 84 pts
2nd: Real Madrid – 78 pts
3rd: Sevilla – 72 pts
4th: Villarreal – 69 pts
World Football News – April 30
Premier League: Chelsea crowned champions as Mourinho wins his first English league title.
Serie A: Juventus and AC Milan still neck and neck—title race to go down to final weeks.
Bundesliga: Ballack's brace keeps Bayern top on goal difference.
South America: Brazil releases Copa pre-squad—Ronaldinho, Kaká, Adriano lead the lineup.
Ballon d'Or Watch: Messi becomes youngest player ever to break into Top 5 in betting odds.