Messi wants Clasico win for Christmas

Barcelona’s star Lionel Messi received the Pichichi Trophy for being the top goal-scorer in La Liga last season and he hoped that Barcelona can celebrate Christmas in style by beating Real Madrid in the El Classico.

Barca go into the Clasico on Saturday with an 11-point lead over arch rivals Real Madrid and the Argentine felt that it would be a big-margin advantage if Barca were able to defeat Madrid at the Bernabeu.

"It would be good to win the game for what it means, we would get a sizeable advantage, even though there is a long way to go," he said.

Messi scored 37 goals last season which earned him the Pichichi award and the playmaker has now won the award for the fourth time. The Argentine previously won the award in 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2012-13. Only four players have won more – Telmo Zarra (6), Di Stefano, Quini and Hugo Sanchez (5). Ferenc Puskas won the award four times as well.

Messi was also awarded the De Stefano award, which is given to the best player in La Liga. "I had the chance to meet Di Stefano and he was always very friendly with me," added Messi.

Spanish paper Marca handed over the prizes at an awards ceremony and Messi said it was "a prize for the whole team". Before Christmas, the Argentine is probably hoping to give his side a nice present in the form of a victory against Real Madrid. "It would be nice to see off the year with a win and have a merry Christmas."

Barcelona's legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta meanwhile picked up La Liga's MVP award for his performances last season.