The Catalan giants have taken the bold decision to rest Lionel Messi, despite the Argentina international being their top scorer so far this season.

Many fans flocked to social media before the game to question Ernesto Valverde's decision to omit the 30-year-old from his starting line-up.

But Messi is being rested with Valverde wary of burning out his star performer.

It has previously been reported that Barcelona will take special measures regarding their star performer.

Last season, Real Madrid gave more breaks to Cristiano Ronaldo who repaid them by firing them to La Liga and Champions League glory.

And Barcelona are likely to adopt a similar approach with Messi for the rest of the season.

The Argentina star also wants to be in peak condition for the World Cup in Russia later this year.

At the age of 30, time is running out for the Barcelona star to win football's ultimate trophy.

Lionel Messi went close four years ago when his fine performances helped Argentina reach the final.

But Germany put them to the sword with Mario Gotze the matchwinner.

Meanwhile, speaking before today's Copa del Rey game against Celta Vigo, Valverde dubbed Messi as the best player in the world. 

“Messi is the best player in the entire world," he said. "He does something extraordinary with every ball he touches.

"We have the incredible good fortune to have him at our club.

“I can see how he faces competition and his enormous commitment to the club and the team.

"In terms of his position, playing in the middle is good both for him and for us. However, he can play well anywhere.”