The Argentine international looked out of sorts in the humbling Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Barcelona during the week, but came off the bench on Saturday to help secure a point.

Messi netted an equaliser in the second half before setting up Alexis Sanchez for what looked like the winner until Athletic snatched a draw with an injury-time leveller.

Roura said: "It was a shame that we drew in the end. We couldn't find the third goal. It's a pity that we did not bag all three points.

"We earned a draw at a very difficult ground. We don't get tired of coming back from behind as we again showed today.

"We came here with the intention of collecting all three points and getting closer to the league title. Alex Song was also fantastic, Thiago [Alcantara] did very well and Alexis was very good."

In terms of magical Messi, he added: "Leo is the best player in the world.

"Leo is fine. He trained very well and really helped us through a sticky patch. Hopefully, he is on his way towards reaching full fitness and the peak of his powers again."