Lionel Messi: "Alexis Sanchez important to Barcelona"

Lionel Messi has insisted that Alexis Sanchez will be crucial to Barcelona's hopes of regaining La Liga this season.

Sanchez shined when fit for Barca last season but a series of injuries problems restricted the Chile international to 31 competitive starts.

Messi thinks a return to fitness for Sanchez will be crucial for the team.

"Alexis has been with the team for a while now," he said. "Last season he had a bit of bad luck with injuries but he will be definitely be an important player for Barca."

Messi and Sanchez combined for five goals as Barcelona beat Raja Casablanca 8-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.