Crocked Barca in a real Messi

LATE FITNESS TEST ... Lionel Messi

LIONEL MESSI faces a last-minute fitness test before the crunch return against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Barcelona star has yet to shake off a hamstring problem he picked up in the first leg.

Messi, the world’s No 1 player, trained and was provisionally included in Tito Vilanova’s squad.

A decision will be made later today, though it is likely he will start on the bench and come on only if needed.

Team-mate Andres Iniesta said: “We will see between today and tomorrow if he can come back — it depends on how Leo feels.

“There is a dependency on Messi because he is a hugely important player and the whole team works for him to score goals.

“Each injury is different and it’s a question of how you feel and the reality of your injury.”

Barca face an injury crisis with central defenders Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano crocked.

Vilanova will draft in full-back Adriano at centre-half but even he is returning from injury. Pedro is also a doubt with a hamstring problem.

Vilanova’s No 2, Jordi Roura, said: “The feeling is good but we have to wait.

“We will go out to play as if it were a final in order to reach our sixth semi-final in six years.

“If the best player in the world is not there it will be handicap but the squad is large and competitive as we’ve shown many times.”