Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has defended his decision to play Lionel Messi in the goalless draw with Benfica after the star forward was stretched off with a knee injury.
The Argentina international started the game on the bench but was introduced 13 minutes into the second half as the Blaugrana pushed for a winner.
The decision backfired on Vilanoa though as Messi was carried off on a stretcher 26 minutes later following a collision with Benfica keeper Artur Moraes.
With Barcelona having already qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League the game was a meaningless one for the Nou Camp outfit and Vilanova has been criticised for bringing on the club's star man in a such a match.
While Messi is chasing Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year Vilanova has been forced to defend his decision to use the 25-year-old.
"We talked about the possibility of him playing for 30 minutes. He's a player that likes to play," said the Barca boss.
"He's not focused on breaking the record that everyone is talking about, if that were the case he would have played against Alaves (in the Copa del Rey last week) and the full 90 minutes against Benfica. Playing is part of his physical training."
Barcelona are hopeful Messi's injury isn't as serious as it first appeared, revealing later on in the night that it looked as though it was just a bad knock.
They have sent the two-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner for a scan as a precautionary measure and it seems unlikely he will be risked in Sunday's game with Real Betis.
The Primera Division leaders are 1.30 to beat Betis this weekend, with the hosts 9.00 and the draw 5.50.
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