Vilanova offered a ringing endorsement Ballon d'Or-nominated forward's form going into Barca's match against the Scottish Premier League champions at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

A pulsating La Liga encounter on Saturday saw Barca beat Deportivo La Coruna 5-4, with Messi grabbing a sublime hat-trick in the process, the 21st of his career with the Catalan giants.

And Vilanova continues to be impressed by the Argentina superstar.

"I do not know what else can be said of Leo," he said.

"The other day he came back from travelling (on Argentina duty) and he still made efforts both offensively and defensively. We'll enjoy him as long as we can. I don't think it's just the other day, but throughout the year.

"I do not want to do any campaigning (ahead of the Ballon d'Or award), I think Messi's success shows every day. Nobody does what he does."

Barca are without first-choice defenders Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Dani Alves due to injury, while midfielder Sergio Busquets is suspended.

"Not only am I worried about Pique's injury but also about everybody else's in my team," Vilanova said.

"Bouncing back from an injury depends on the player, the recuperation plan itself and on how long the player has been sidelined. As soon as doctors tell me that Pique is ready, I will play him again."

The injuries contributed to a shaky display at the back against Deportivo, and Vilanova knows his team will not always be able to rely on their attacking prowess to compensate.

"Our job is to score one more goal than the opponent," Vilanova said.

"As long as we have that goal difference on our side it's fine.

"When the time comes that we are not able to score so many goals we might be in trouble. We are working to improve all these aspects.

"However, there are some variables like producing three own goals, these are not controllable."