Barcelona captain Lionel Messi admits he's found the LaLiga more competitive this season.

Messi says no game can be taken for granted by the top clubs.

"It is not just this year; you can notice it for several years now," Messi said.

"Everything is more even - anyone beats anyone.

"It is difficult to play as an away team because the hosts have become very strong.

"That makes everything more complicated. Everything is more even."

Messi went on to make clear that Barcelona shouldn't fall into the loop of recalling mistakes from the past, should they want to progress in the Champions League.

"We must start from scratch because it is a new year, a new competition," he continued.

"We learn from the past, from mistakes, and focus on the present.

"It would be a mistake to fall into that [trap] again."