Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde insists throwing on Lionel Messi for the second-half in their 2-2 draw at Sevilla was always planned.

Sevilla provided a stern test to Barcelona's unbeaten run in LaLiga on Saturday evening as Messi was left on the bench before coming on with half an hour to go, something that Ernesto Valverde had planned beforehand.

Franco Vazquez and Luis Muriel both scored to hand the Andalusian side a two-goal advantage, however Luis Suarez and Messi found the net in the last two minutes to ensure Los Cules claimed a 2-2 draw.

"It's true that Messi has an injury niggle, however I had always planned for him to play some part," Valverde explained in his post-match press conference.

"He has been absent and needed to play.

"Every time he touches the ball he's decisive.

"With and without Messi the team is different.

"I won't make reference to Argentina's result on Tuesday."