Barcelona coach Luis Enrique insisted his side won't be distracted by local rivals Espanyol's desire to destroy their La Liga title chances in the Catalan derby on Sunday.

Luis Enrique has lauded Lionel Messi as Barcelona's leader and "the best wherever he plays".

Luis Enrique has issued an ominous warning to Barcelona's domestic and European rivals by confidently stating: "We are not in our best form."

Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi's recovery is proceeding as expected but offered no update on when the Barcelona forward is expected to return to action.

Even a superstar like Messi of Barcelona needs to evolve to stay ahead of the curve especially when he faces stiff competition from Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

Substitute Ivan Rakitic scored twice to earn Barcelona a 2-0 victory over BATE on Tuesday and move the European champions three points clear at the top of Group E.

Sergio Busquets has hailed Barcelona teammate Neymar for his sizzling form on the pitch, but says the loss of Lionel Messi to injury is still being felt within the Blaugrana team.

A Barcelona side without the injured Lionel Messi head to face Sevilla at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday, desperate to move back to the summit of La Liga.

Barcelona were beaten for the first time in La Liga this season as Celta romped to a stunning 4-1 victory at Balaidos on Wednesday.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says that Lionel Messi's penalty issues do not make the Blaugrana superstar seem any less of a visitor from another planet.

Cristiano Ronaldo can move ahead of Raul as Real Madrid's top goalscorer of all time as Los Blancos take on Athletic Bilbao.

Having helped the Blaugrana to four titles, the Argentine attacker is already the finest footballer to play Champions League.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is available for selection for the weekend's game with Atletico Madrid after the birth of his second son Mateo on Friday night.

Lionel Messi will never leave Barcelona, according to the club's sporting director Robert Fernandez.

Barca's first hurdle en route to the sextuple is a big one as they face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup at Georgia.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola compares Lionel Messi to Brazil legend Pele as he backs his former club Barcelona to win the Champions League.