Real Madrid are all set to host FC Barcelona for what is a crucial game in the La Liga title race. The two Spanish giants are separated by just one point while Atletico Madrid sit on top of the table. At the end of this game week, any of the 3 clubs could be the table toppers.
But the significance of this tie is much more than just 3 points and the La Liga title. El Clasico is one of the fiercest rivalries in the world always filled with fireworks. The fixture has featured some of the best players in the world. But arguably the greatest of them all is Lionel Messi.
Leo Messi is the highest scorer in the history of El Clasico. Messi has led Barcelona to many El Clasico victories with his individual brilliance over the years. The upcoming El Clasico could be the Argentine's final one as his current contract at the Blaugrana runs out at the end of the season. The newly re-elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been pretty vocal about a new contract for their talisman. Laporta has said on multiple occasions how the extension of Messi's contract is his top priority. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane in his press conference "I don't want tomorrow's Clasico to be Messi's last one. Let him stay at Barca, he's fine there. His presence is good for La Liga."
If this is supposed to be Messi's last El Clasico then he will be motivated to put in a shift to lead his team to victory and possibly to the top of the table.
