Lionel Messi has admitted that he knew Barcelona would eventually be defeated following their 3-2 defeat to Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Tito Vilanova's men were beaten for the first time this season in La Liga, bringing an end to a historic 19-game, 55-point run.

"Losing a game had to come at some point," Messi told reporters after the game. "We have to pick ourselves up immediately because of the cup match coming up."

Barca will look to bounce back when they face Malaga in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey on Thursday.