Fresh of FC Barcelona 0-2 El Clasico win over Real Madrid at the Barnebeu last night, Leo Messi was asked by a reporter about it and the player did not hide his satisfaction: “The team showed that we are superior to anyone if we want to, but then we have to prove it on the field and today, we did. It was an important victory, but now we have to keep on going.

“There are still many games to be played, and some are going to be very difficult. It is a very important small step, but not definitive.

“We can continue making more history.”

Describing the match, Messi said, “It was a very even match with a lot of respect for each other but we took our chances.”

Of the hyped duel between Cristiano and himself, the Argentine just replied, “It was never between him and me. It was simply Barcelona overcoming Madrid. We are now back as leaders and have gained the advantage for the remainder of the league.”

Messi’s goal tonight has taken his tally for the season to 40 in all three competitions: 27 in la Liga, 8 in the Champions League, 2 in the Club World Cup, 2 in the Spanish Super Cup and 1 in the Copa del Rey, and is the leading goal scorer for both the Spanish League and Europe.