Date: April 27, 2005Competition: La Liga – Matchday 28Fixture: Athletic Bilbao vs. FC BarcelonaVenue: San Mamés, BilbaoKickoff: 9:00 PMWeather: Rainy, 9°CAttendance: 39,800 (packed to capacity)
April 26 – Warning Signs
In the pre-match press conference, Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde delivered a clear message:
"We don't fear Messi. We respect him. But San Mamés fears no one."
Rain was already forecasted. And with the pitch heavy and slick, it wouldn't be a night for fancy football. This was about grit.
The Arrival
As the team bus drove through Bilbao's narrow streets, fans pounded the windows and waved red-white flags.
"Welcome to the jungle," whispered Ronaldinho with a grin.
Messi looked out at the storm clouds rolling in.
"Let's dance in the rain."
Kickoff – First Half
The game opened in chaos. No build-up play. Just full-throttle pressure from both sides.
Minute 3 — Messi received a pass on the right, tried to cut inside, and was immediately clipped by Bilbao's fullback, Del Horno. No foul given.
Minute 8 — Another tackle, this time by Orbaiz. Hard, legal, and painful.
Rijkaard barked from the sidelines:
"Don't get drawn in! Use the ball!"
Minute 16 – Turning Point
Barcelona began to settle. Xavi and Deco found their rhythm.
Minute 18 — Messi drifted inside, collected from Deco, and sent a delicate lob to the left for Giuly. The winger crossed back—
Header – Eto'o – GOAL. 1–0. Barcelona.
San Mamés quieted for the first time.
Minute 27 – Lightning Strikes Again
The rain thickened. The pitch slicked up. But Messi thrived in the puddles.
Minute 27 — He picked up the ball 30 yards out. Feinted twice. Accelerated past one. Then another. Suddenly, he was inside the box.
Cut back left. Curled it low—
GOAL. 2–0. Messi.
Even in Bilbao, some fans applauded. Wet palms clapped for magic.
Halftime: 2–0 Barcelona
In the tunnel, Messi wiped mud from his legs and glanced at the scoreboard.
Ronaldinho came over, patting his chest.
"They wanted war. You gave them art."
Second Half – The Rain Fight
Bilbao didn't back down.
Minute 55 — A corner swung in. Scramble in the box. Aduriz slammed it in.
GOAL. 2–1.
The stadium roared again.
Minute 67 – Tension Peaks
Messi took a knock from behind. He limped briefly but waved off the bench. Then—he began to torment again.
Minute 72 — Intercepted pass. He sprinted down the right. Looked up. Cut inside. Three defenders came.
He slipped it between them to Deco, who squared it for Ronaldinho.
GOAL. 3–1.
The bench stood to applaud. Rijkaard grinned.
"And they said this was the wrong match for him."
Full-Time: Athletic Bilbao 1–3 FC Barcelona
Goals: Aduriz (55') – Eto'o (18'), Messi (27'), Ronaldinho (72')Assists: Messi (1), Deco, RonaldinhoMan of the Match: Lionel Messi – 1 goal, 1 assist, 8 dribbles, 4 fouls won, 90 minutes played
Post-Match Interview – La Liga TV
Reporter:
"Leo, a rainy night in Bilbao—many players shrink. You seem to grow."
Messi:
"It's still football. Whether in rain, sun, or snow. I just try to do my part."
Reporter:
"Your 32nd goal of the season. You're still 17. Did you ever imagine this?"
Messi:
"I imagine the next goal. Not the numbers."
Notebook Entry – April 27, 2005
Anto,It rained from warm-up to the whistle. I was soaked, freezing, and happy.San Mamés wasn't kind—but the ball never asked for kindness. It only asked to be loved.And I loved it tonight.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of April 27, 2005)
Season (Club):
Matches: 39
Goals: 29
Assists: 33
Free Kick Goals (Match): 2
Free Kick Goals (Training): 28
Dribbles Completed: 206
Fouls Suffered: 101
Career Totals (Club + Country):
Matches: 41
Goals: 32
Assists: 35
Dribbles Completed: 221
National Team Caps (Senior): 0
National Team Goals: 0
La Liga Standings (After Matchday 28):
1st: FC Barcelona – 81 pts
2nd: Real Madrid – 75 pts
3rd: Sevilla – 71 pts
4th: Villarreal – 67 pts
World Football News – April 27
Premier League: Rooney scores twice in Manchester Derby as United beat City 3–0.
Serie A: Inter Milan make late push for Champions League spot.
Bundesliga: Stuttgart's Mario Gómez scores his 15th goal, eyes Golden Boot.
South America: Juan Román Riquelme named Boca Juniors captain permanently.
Copa América: AFA hints Messi might debut in warm-up match vs. Mexico in June.