Lionel Messi said he understood the importance of resting occasionally in order to stay ripe for the end of the season as he accepted the European Golden Shoe award on Friday for being the top scorer in the continent last season.

The Barcelona striker had played every minute of their season in the Liga and Champions League until left out of the starting line-up against Juventus on Wednesday, four days before Sunday's top-of-the-table showdown at Valencia.

Messi came on for a very rare appearance as a substitute in the second half as Barca drew 0-0 with the Serie A champions to seal their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners.

Messi told reporters: "Every time I'm on the bench, there's a lot of commotion because I usually play, I don't like sitting out, I like to participate and help from the inside.

"But I understand it's a long season and that I have to look after myself more because the seasons keep getting tougher