Ivan Rakitic: We have to look after Messi well

Ivan Rakitic, Barcelona's central midfielder, highlighted the team's good performance in the 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday in the Champions League.

"We played quite well in this game. To play a Champions League game is special and more for me as I haven't had the chance to play much in this competition. Each game is a gift and to play at home for Barcelona is to offer a good spectacle to your fans. Barcelona always have a lot at stake and I think this was positive. The dynamic of the team is good, the idea of the team does not change and this allows the players to adapt better. We deserved the win, we did well and we have to continue like this."

On Messi: "The important thing is that he's happy here. The important thing is that he's with us and he's by our side. Sometimes he should rest. To play with him is always special and when he has 20 to 25 minutes too he can change the game and the play completely. It's good that he was good in this game and we have to look after him well."

On Mascherano: "We have not spoken with him. He's working hard so he can be with us as soon as possible. He's an important player for the team and always at a high level. I hope he's with us for a long time. As a person and a player he's very important for the team."

Finally he said "I would like Basel" in the Champions League last 16.