Messi aims for a ‘happy Christmas’ with El Clasico victory

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is aiming for a ‘happy Christmas’ with a win against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in Saturday’s El Clasico.

The La Liga leaders are currently 11 points ahead of Real Madrid – although they have played a game more; and they play their first head-to-head since Real’s Supercopa victory earlier this season.

Messi, who won the award for Player of the 2016/17 season by Spanish newspaper, Marca on Tuesday, said it would be ‘fantastic’ to end the year with a win over the Zinedine Zidane’s side.

“It would be fantastic to close the year with a win and to enjoy a happy Christmas,” Messi told reporters after receiving the Marca award.

“This is clearly an important match for us and these games are always special due to what they mean and what they represent.

“A victory at the Bernabeu would be very special and if we were to win then we would have a big points advantage over them, with all respect.

“The season is still early but to have a points lead like that is always important.”
Real will host their arch rivals on Saturday, as they hope to close the gap at the top of the La Liga table.