Xavi believes Lionel Messi might be the difference in the El Clasico if he is deemed fit to play

Messi has a outside chance to play against Real Madrid

Former Barcelona player and Messi’s ex-teammate Xavi has said that the Argentine’s fitness can be the deciding factor in Saturday’s El Clasico. While talking to ESPNFC, the midfielder said that both the teams are almost on the same level but if Messi is deemed fit, he can create the decisive difference between the two teams.

"I think the teams are of a similar level if Messi doesn't play, Madrid have injuries, but their injuries are not as important as the one to Messi.”

The World Cup winner also talked about Los Blancos’ defending prowess this season and credits Rafa Benitez for the same. The Madrid-based club have conceded only seven goals thus far in the league, with three of them coming in their last league match against Sevilla.

"Madrid are very strong this season. They are very organised with two lines of four. Physically, they're strong. People say that [Madrid coach Rafael] Benitez is defensive and yes, they've conceded fewer goals than any other team,” he said.

On the other hand, Los Blancos have also scored 26 goals in the process, which makes them the highest scorers as well in the league. Though Barcelona is just one behind them with 25 goals.

"But Madrid have also scored more than any other team,” Xavi added.

Since Messi’s injury, the Blaugrana has left Real Madrid behind in the league table and look in fine fettle going into the game on Saturday. However, Xavi believes that Lionel Messi might still hold the key to defeating Real in their own backyard.

"It's difficult to win at the [Santiago] Bernabeu; very, very difficult without [Messi]. But I think Barca are in a good moment to do good things."

Playing in the Bernabeu makes you feel like a Gladiator: Xavi

The midfield maestro has played in 29 La Liga Clasicos and won twelve of them. He said that the atmosphere in the Santiago Bernabeu is just like in the Colosseum and even called El Clasico as the purest rivalry in the ‘Beautiful game’.

"I love it, it's the best; it's football rivalry in the purest form," he said.

"Playing at the Bernabeu is like being a gladiator going into the Colosseum. It's the eternal rivalry, a wonderful sensation, an inspiration to feel everybody against you. It's not just football. It's like village against next village, it means everything to all the people. And then you start to play, you score and you see only 200 supporters high in the stands. And you celebrate together. It's beautiful, one of the best feelings in life."