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The Giallorossi face the Spanish champions in the quarter-finals of the competition, looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time since the format was changed from a straight knockout-affair.
And, while El Shaarawy acknowledges that Ernesto Valverde's side are strong favourites, he believes that dynamic will only play in Roma's favour.
"We know that it'll be very tough to play against Barcelona at the Camp Nou but we have nothing to lose," El Shaarawy told UEFA's official website. "We have to try to show our spirit, work hard and capitalise on any chances we get.
"We have to be mindful that the tie is played over 180 minutes. We'll have to try to get a good result in Barcelona while remembering that there's still the home leg to come.
"We'll have to be alert in terms of how they knock the ball about, keep possession and the moves that Messi comes up with. He's the best player of the lot at the moment, and I'm not just talking about Barça but the whole world.
"We're up against the very best and every time he gets on the ball, he can make something happen. That's why we'll have to try to act accordingly and restrict his influence as much as possible."
With a full house at the Stadio Olimpico awaiting both sides next week, El Shaarawy acknowledges Roma have every incentive to set the groundwork for an unforgettable European night for the team.
"There's definitely a lot of excitement and eagerness for that game [in Rome] to come around because it's an evening that everyone wants to experience," he said. "Everyone wants to play in these types of games. However, first of all we hope to get a good result in Barcelona in order to get the fans fired up in the return leg.
"Everyone says we're not the favourites and that's the truth. However, nobody gave us much of a chance of getting out of the group so we've got to forget about what people think."
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