Barcelona manager Quique Setien has conceded Lionel Messi needs a rest but that the club couldn't afford to rest him on Saturday as they scraped to a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid.
Arturo Vidal scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute with Messi claiming his 20th league assist of the season in the process.
Despite dominating possession, Setien's side struggled to wrap up the victory with Messi forced to play the full 90 minutes.
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With Barcelona still within touching distance of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, their manager admitted that though Messi needs a break, games like the one against Valladolid aren't the right time to sacrifice him.