Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres has admitted that Lionel Messi was the difference between his team and Barcelona on Sunday.

Messi scored the only goal of the game in the second period at the Vicente Calderon, with the Argentine's strike securing a 1-0 victory for the Catalan outfit and the La Liga title in the process.

"Until we went 1-0 down, we felt they controlled the game but weren't threatening us," Torres told reporters.

"We still had chances from set pieces and gave some away, but they had Messi, who eventually changed everything in a second.

"They were comfortable, controlling the game, but didn't want to take risks because they knew they could wait until one player made the difference. Nonetheless, I think the approach of the two teams was very respectful and very even."

Torres will again spend next season on loan at Atletico from AC Milan.