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 Catalan giants lead Zinedine Zidane’s side by 11 points in La Liga – although they have played a game more – ahead of the first head-to-head since Madrid’s Supercopa victory.
“It would be fantastic to close the year with a win and to enjoy a happy Christmas,” Messi told reporters among received the Marca award for Player of the 2016/17 season.
“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.”
