Andres Iniesta has hailed his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi after the Argentine netted a brace in the 4-1 win over Sevilla at the weekend.

Messi had come under criticism in recent weeks for a barren run in front of goal, but returned to form with a double in the Estadio Ramon on Sunday.

"Messi always responds. He never misses and in just a few minutes he can change a game. He's a fundamental player," the Spain international told the club's official website.

"When you have a chance you have to take advantage of it. I think this victory will give us strength ahead of the match on Wednesday [against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey] and for the games to come after that.

"We will fight until the end. The important thing is to not lose a lot of points and to improve as a team."

Barcelona currently top La Liga on goal difference.