Lionel Messi is convinced it is only a matter of time before Barcelona overhaul Liga leaders Real Madrid.

"The way we are playing lately we can win at any ground," said Messi. "Now we depend on ourselves and if we can not get the leadership this week, we will try for the next one.

"The most important thing is that we are playing all our games to a high level and that the team is more united than ever.

"Now comes the most difficult time in the season. Each game, in any of the three competitions in which we are in, is like a final.

"You cannot rest for even one minute because if you do you can quickly slip."