The Catalan giants avoided possible match-ups with Chelsea, Internazionale and Arsenal but Messi does not believe that means that have got it any easier by being drawn against the French champions, even if Barca did beat Les Gones 3-0 at the Nou Camp just over a year ago.

"They are a tough opponent. People might think we have been given a lesser team, but it will be at all easy," the Argentinian superstar said.

"In the last 16 there are no easy opponents."

Messi scored Barca`s second goal in that 3-0 triumph over Lyon after the two clubs had been put together in the group stages of last season`s Champions League.

Messi was also on the scoresheet in the return meeting at the Stade Gerland, although Barca had to settle for a 2-2 draw on that occasion despite twice leading.

"We played two games against them and saw up close the calibre of team that they are," added Messi, who insists his side should not focus all their efforts on trying to stop Lyon`s highly-rated striker Karim Benzema.

"We are concerned about all of their team as they have high quality players."