Arsenal defender Johan Djourou says Barcelona deserved their victory this week.
Gunners fans and officials are upset with the result over Robin van Persie's dismissal.
But Djourou said: "But you have to be honest and admit Barcelona deserved their win. Lionel Messi is an exceptional footballer, all the more so when he plays at home, and he does some amazing things.
"It is really hard to mark him. We succeeded in the first half. We were very compact and it was a real pity that we conceded just before the break."
Click here for the No1 coverage of all the gossip and transfer news around Arsenal.