Emiliano Insua says the mere presence of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi makes rivals feel afraid and insecure on the pitch.

Barcelona were held to a scoreless draw by third-tier Villanovense on Wednesday in a disappointing start to the Copa del Rey for the defending champion.

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.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has responded angrily to reports suggesting Lionel Messi will leave the club, insisting that the reports are "embarrassing".

Brazil coach Dunga has welcomed the return of captain Neymar ahead of what he has labelled a ‘war’ with Argentina next month.

Injured Barcelona star Lionel Messi has failed to rule out leaving the Treble winners in the future, and has denied he is in competition with Ballon d'Or rival 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.

Barcelona star Neymar has insisted that he will sign a new contract at Camp Nou amid interest from Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo broke Raul's career Real Madrid scoring record and his 324th goal for Los Blancos also extended his lead over Lionel Messi of Barcelona in this season's La Liga.

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has labelled Barcelona star Lionel Messi the opponent he has had the most difficulty facing.

Pressure on Neymar and Suarez grow with each match as Barcelona look to regain momentum and head the La Liga without Messi in their ranks.

German football idol Lothar Matthaus has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi to win the 2015 Ballon d'Or, insisting that no-one else merits the award.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez says he feels "responsibility" to try and compensate for the loss of Lionel Messi during his injury layoff.

Argentina remain winless in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup without Messi after a 0-0 draw in a physical clash with Paraguay at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Zinedine Zidane has voiced his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and believes the rivalry with Barcelona ace Lionel Messi only spurs on the Real Madrid attacker.

Brazilian football legend Pele has named Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of the last decade, as he also paid tribute to Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Weekends are usually a fairly hectic time in Lionel Messi's house, as the family patriarch stars for Barcelona.

Neymar believes Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and himself were always going to be a success for Barcelona.

Lionel Messi posted a cryptic Instagram message on Friday as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.