Celtic boost as Lionel Messi is picked for Barcelona against Benfica Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Andres Iniesta - all included on Monday among the 40 candidates for Uefa's Team of the Year - have been rested along with Cesc Fabregas and Pedro Rodriguez, while B team players Sergi Gomez, Carles Planas, Sergi Roberto, Rafinha, Gerard Deulofeu and Cristian Tello have been included in the 18-man squad. Messi, however, will feature against the Portuguese visitors, who head into the match in second spot but level on seven points with Celtic. Vilanova said: "Leo was rested last week against Alaves in the Copa del Rey. It's not about records for goals - the main thing is to win. He is the same as always. He always wants to play and he is in his best habitat when he is playing. I'm excited that he plays, and for us it is always better. Despite having shuffled his pack, Vilanova has promised that whoever takes to the pitch at the Nou Camp will be up to the task - and motivated to perform. "We will present a competitive team," he said. It's an important game because we represent the club. It's the Champions League, and there are teams playing for qualification. There are players who are coming off injuries and this match will be perfect. It will be great motivation, for sure. Also, they are all professionals and always give their all. And Vilanova will not be under-estimating the threat posed by tomorrow's opponents. He added: "Benfica are a very dangerous team, especially up front, with Lima and (Oscar) Cardozo, who can create something at any time." Benfica, runners-up to Porto in the Portuguese Liga last season but level on points with the champions at the top after 10 games this term, approach the game holding the upper hand over third-placed Celtic thanks to their superior head-to-head record. Benfica head into the game well rested, having not played domestically since a 2-0 win over SC Olhanense on Nov 24. But Jesus will be without injured midfielders Eduardo Salvio (ankle), Enzo Perez, Carlos Martins and Pablo Aimar for the vital encounter at the Nou Camp.