Media playback is not supported on this device I’ve never played against Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Leo Messi
Messi missed Lionel Messi as Barcelona emerged victorious from a thrilling Champions League group stage draw at Paris St-Germain.
In Madrid on Thursday, PSG could have faced Messi and two-time La Liga champions Barca in their last-16 match.
However, the French side ended up facing Bayern Munich and Manchester City, who could also meet in the last 16.
Messi, 31, later said: “It’s the perfect game for me – to win here again.
“It will be like a final.”
He added: “We are aware of this but we must avoid thinking about it. We will do our job and compete with the best.”
Messi, who is set to become the highest-paid player in history when his deal with Barcelona expires in June, will return to the Nou Camp as a Real Madrid player in 2019.
The Argentina international scored only two Champions League goals in 2016-17, his lowest tally since 2009-10.
Messi said: “Of course the competition helps me to perform better. These are important matches.”