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Lionel Messi: Have you seen Barcelona star’s INCREDIBLE record vs Atletico Madrid?
BARCELONA go into to tonight’s clash with Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp knowing a win will all-but clinch them the La Liga title.
Lionel Messi scores ICONIC goal against Getafe in 2007
Ernesto Valverde’s side are eight points clear of second-placed Atleti at the top and are on course to become champions for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Lionel Messi is set to be key for them again - and his incredible record against their rivals makes for grim reading for Diego Simeone and his side.
In 37 appearances against Atletico in all competitions, Messi has scored an impressive 28 goals.
Only against Sevilla (36 in 35) does he have more.
If that was not enough to strike fear into his opponents, Atletico need only to look to his recent scintillating form.
At 31, Messi shows no signs of slowing up and is the league’s current leading marksman with a whopping 32 goals in 28 La Liga appearances this season.
He has nine in his last five appearances and looks set to haunt Atleti once more and add to his tally of goals against them.
His last two appearances have seen him score superb free-kicks in consecutive games as he continues to defy logic during his maturing years.
However, Simeone insists Messi will not be singled out for special treatment and says his players do not fear facing him.
“The word isn't fear, but respect,” he said when asked about Messi in the build-up to the game.
Perhaps the only thing Simeone can hope for is a rare off day for the Argentina superstar.
On the few occasions where Messi has not been at his brilliant best, Barca have struggled and that was evident against Villarreal last time out.
He was rested with tonight's game in mind but manager Ernesto Valverde was forced to call on him with Barca trailing 4-2.
Messi came on to inspire them to a 4-4 draw but they were once again accused of 'Messidependence'.
"Of course there is 'Messidependence’,” he said.
"It would exist in any team in the world, but when he is not there we also have to play and try to win.
"Leo is fundamental for us and marks the style, it is well known that he is the best in the world for something."