Luis Enrique has confirmed that he will start Lionel Messi against Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday at Camp Nou.

Despite planning to field a weaker side against Gladbach, confirmed by the Barca boss in his pre-game press conference, Messi will be on the field from the beginning.

"Messi will play tomorrow, from the start," he said.

Barca's already secured top spot in Group C, but the coach has deemed it right to play Messi. In fact, it may well be because the Argentinean striker is chasing Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring record in the competition.

Meanwhile, Luis Enrique looked to calm fears over Neymar - who is out of the game through suspension but missed training on Monday through injury.

"Neymar picked up a knock and we have to control his work load a little more. If he weren't banned he wouldn't be available. He should recover okay."

Barca were held to a 1-1 draw in El Clasico on Saturday, and have won just twice in their last seven games in all competitions.