Robinho gave the hosts an early edge with a ninth minute goal, only to see that answered by Messi who scored for the first time since returning from his hamstring injury.
Barcelona head coach Gerardo Martino trotted out a starting XI that saw goalkeeper Victor Valdés protected by a back four of Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano and Adriano. In midfield, it was the trustworthy trio of Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta while the South American triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Alexis Sánchez composed the attacking line.
Milan could not have asked for a better start in the early going. Robinho exhibited his class with a delightful rainbow flick that looped over the head of Sanchez in the third minute which drew many ‘oohs and aahs’ from the San Siro. Six minutes later, the former Real Madrid man had the fans on their feet again, and this time with a goal.
Mascherano was looking to clear a ball away from danger but instead booted it off the back of the nearby Piqué. Robinho swooped in, played a pass to Kaká on the left who then crossed back to his Brazilian countryman and from there Robinho took care of the rest beating Valdés with a shot.
But Barcelona looked to answer and would grab the equalizer in the 24th minute. The visitors struck on a quick counterattack as Iniesta fed Messi on the right side. The Argentine cut into the middle, evaded a Milan defender and then fired in a left-footer that beat Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia.
Seven minutes into the second half Robinho had a golden opportunity to put Milan ahead but he completely whiffed on a ball into the area where he was left unmarked and just yards in front of Valdés. Adriano repaid the favor in the 70th minute when he looked all but certain to make it 1-2 only to see his shot sent wide.
Neither side were able to summon any last-minute chances, and so the top two teams in the group retired to the locker room seemingly content with earning a point.
Barcelona will return to Champions League action November 6th when they host Milan at the Camp Nou.
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