Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has said that it is 'obvious' that his team miss "the world's best player" Lionel Messi when the Argentine is unavailable to feature.

Talk of Barcelona's over-reliance on Messi has gathered pace in recent weeks, with the Spanish champions struggling to a goalless draw at home to Malaga last weekend without the Argentine international.

Ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad, Enrique was questioned on the topic and the head coach pulled no punches when describing the 29-year-old's importance to the team.

"Messidependence'? It just wouldn't be possible not to notice the absence of the world's best player. That's indisputable," Enrique told reporters.

Messi has scored 18 times in 15 appearances for Barcelona this season, including eight in nine La Liga fixtures.