Barcelona have gone in at the break against AC Milan with a 1-1 draw after Lionel Messi's 24th minute strike cancelled out Robinho's early goal.

Brazilian playmaker Robinho opened the scoring for the home side after eight minutes when he played a one-two with compatriot Kaka, before sliding a low effort beyond Victor Valdes.

Gerardo Martino's side got themselves back in it when Messi, making his first start in over a month, twisted inside the area before calmly dispatching a low effort into the corner.

Philippe Mexes nearly put Milan in front, but his header was just wide after some deliberation from Valdes in the Barca goal.