By Barcelona, yesterday, defeated Napoli, as they are to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Messi’s weaving run and finish, which produced a brilliant goal, came between an early Clement Lenglet header and a Luis Suarez penalty, as Barca stormed into a 3-0 lead in the first half at Camp Nou.
But Lorenzo Insigne gave Napoli hope just before the interval and an unconvincing second period from Barcelona left them hanging on for a 3-1 win on the night, 4-2 on aggregate.
“A second goal would have given them a feeling of euphoria that can hurt you,” said Barca coach Quique Setien.
“It’s normal to get a little nervous.”
In winning the penalty, Messi took a heavy kick from Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and needed treatment.
“It was a heavy knock,” said Setien. “It will have to be treated but I don’t think there is a problem.”
After finishing five points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Barca resumed in the Champions League with doubts hanging over the form of the team and the future of their coach.
Setien said on Friday he had not considered resigning but failure in Europe, after a turbulent domestic campaign, would likely take the decision out of his hands.
Victory against Napoli eases the pressure but the performance will not inspire confidence, even with Messi seemingly rejuvenated after three weeks rest.
