Lionel Messi: 'Spartak Moscow were tough'

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has admitted that his team struggled to defeat Spartak Moscow in Wednesday evening's Champions League clash.

The Argentine international, who scored twice in the 3-2 victory, said that the Russia side was strong in defence and dangerous on the break.

"It's not easy to win a game like that when the other team sits back and defends," he told Uefa.com.

"They have very fast forwards and played well on the counter-attack."

Cristian Tello gave Barcelona the lead before a Dani Alves own goal and a Romulo strike put the Russians in front, only for Messi's brace to seal the point for the Spaniards.

The result put Barcelona top of Group G after Celtic and Benfica played out a 0-0 draw in the evening's other match.