Sergio Ramos admits he holds Leo Messi in high regard despite the fierce rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
"I have huge respect for him," he told La Liga's official website. "I think he’s one of the greatest players in history and I have huge respect for him. I hope Sunday isn’t his day, that would mean we’ve done our job, and if on top of that we can get a good result even better.
"I wish him all the best as a fellow professional but only as long as it doesn’t affect us negatively! It’s hard, but he has my maximum respect, I think he’s one of the best."
Sunday's Clasico will see the two rivals clash their horns - Barcelona will try to extend their lead over Los Blancos at the top of the table to five points.
As for Messi, he is having another impressive season with 23 goals and 16 assists in 29 appearances in all competitions and, hopefully, will add something to this tally in El Clasico.
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