Lionel Messi has insisted that Alexis Sanchez will be crucial to Barcelona's hopes of regaining La Liga this season.

Sanchez shined when fit for Barca last season but a series of injuries problems restricted the Chile international to 31 competitive starts.

Messi thinks a return to fitness for Sanchez will be crucial for the team.

"Alexis has been with the team for a while now," he said. "Last season he had a bit of bad luck with injuries but he will be definitely be an important player for Barca."

Messi and Sanchez combined for five goals as Barcelona beat Raja Casablanca 8-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.