Joe Baker argues that for Lionel Messi, there's more to Saturday's El Clasico than simply three points.
The 26 year-old's missed penalty against Brazil, and his reaction to legend Kaka, shows that his mind is profusely elsewhere. At the end of Argentina's defeat, when the AC Milan hero ruffled his hair both sportingly and jokingly , Lionel pushed it away in frustration. Even one of Brazil's greats cannot change his current mood.
Both Messi and the father of the Barcelona star, Jorge, have been accused of avoiding taxes worth up to £4 million. Jorge recently insisted that Messi had 'nothing to do with the tax evasion'- but as hot as things are off the pitch, the temperature is sure to increase with the El Clasico against Real Madrid .
On Saturday, it will be a very intriguing battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's main man. Recently, Messi has been overtaken by his rival Ronaldo in the goal scoring charts, and it is the Real Madrid talisman who is dominating the headlines for the right reasons.
The feeling is Messi is still reeling from the disappointment of the World Cup, and with the alleged tax evasion case, the little Argentinian has been somewhat of a peripheral figure for both club and country. Ronaldo, meanwhile, shows no sign of hangover from the summer, with the former Manchester United forward in sizzling form, scoring 15 goals in seven games.
With Messi's personal life becoming a burden, will he be able to put his difficulties behind him?
Certainly, he remains the favourite son of Barca fans - and he needs just one goal at the Bernabeu to be the La Liga's all time record goal scorer, which is further evidence that he is one of, if not the greatest players to grace the game.
With Luis Suarez back from suspension, Luis Enrique has an attack full of world-class talent, but as ever, Messi will be the focal point of the team - as will Ronaldo for Real. Ultimately, the game will depend on these two, and whoever rises to the occasion, will win the match for their respective teams.
If Messi can replicate the performances he has shown in previous clashes between the Spanish giants, it may well be Barcelona who come out on top.
Most importantly for himself, it will eliminate the self doubt and offer a springboard for Messi to chase more glory, including snatching a record fifth Ballon d'Or from his nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo.
