Ernesto Valverde: "We have to let Lionel Messi breathe a bit"

Ernesto Valverde has attempted to ease the weight on Lionel Messi's shoulders by suggesting that other Barcelona players have to step up.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner produced another stellar display in the Catalan giants' 1-0 win over Valencia in the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday night.

Luis Suarez profited from Messi's brilliance by converting a cross at the back post, giving Barca the advantage ahead of next week's second leg at the Mestalla.

Valverde acknowledges that the superstar forward is now expected to make things happen, having played a direct part in 37 goals already this season.

"Sometimes it's too much because we have to let Messi breathe a bit," he told reporters after the match. "It's true he is an awesome player as we have said many, many times. It's a spectacle watching him every day.

"Winning a match is really difficult and we did. Valencia didn't score, so we have to think that 0-0 is good for us at Mestalla but we won't go there looking to draw the match. We will go for trying to win it."

Suarez's goal in the first leg was his 14th in 13 outings in all competitions.