Lionel Messi: 'Barcelona have difficult Champions League group'

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi believes that his side have been given a tough draw in the Champions League group stages.

The Catalan outfit were placed in Group H during Thursday's draw, and were pitted against AC Milan, Ajax and Celtic.

Despite the tricky opposition, Messi admits that he is looking forward to taking to the field against the three teams.

"This season's group will not be easy, but we are looking forward to some good games," Messi told reporters.

"You don't get any easy groups, but this is a nice one. We played Milan and Celtic last season, and it is our first time against Ajax. It will be a difficult group."

Messi was pipped to UEFA's Best Player in Europe award to Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.