Barcelona ace Leo Messi has spoken of his admiration for Jordi Alba.

The fullback was overlooked by Spain coach Luis Enrique this month.

Messi said, "I don't know where he came from - it must have been a magical apparition.

"Without looking he knows where I am and when I'm going to give the pass. Often I tell him he needs to finish the move, but he tells me he prefers to pass it.

"The other day he didn't have any other option than to stick it home."