Leo Messi: Atlético's scourge fully fit to face Rojiblancos
The Argentinean has bagged 28 goals in all competitions against Diego Simeone's side, more than any other LaLiga team other than Sevilla.
Leo Messi enjoys facing fewer teams in LaLiga than Atlético Madrid, who have never beaten Barça in the league during Diego Simeone’s reign at the Rojiblancos.
The Argentinean has scored an incredible 28 times in 36 games against Atlético, making them his favourite victim after Sevilla, against who Messi has hit 32 across all competitions. Of all his strikes against Atlético, only one has come from spot, back in 2008-09 in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey when Barça won 3-1 in the Calderón, Messi helping himself to a hat-trick.
On that day Grégory Coupet was between the sticks for Atlético and against the current number one, Jan Oblak, Messi has managed six goals, five from open play and one from a free-kick.
Messi back on track ahead of Atlético clash
In total, Messi’s record against Atlético stands at 22 wins, eight draws and six defeats. Of his 28 goals, 12 have been scored at the Calderón and 16 at Camp Nou.
The Argentinean is yet to open his account at the Metropolitano and he will go into Saturday’s game fully fit for the first time since breaking his arm in a challenge with Mudo Vázquez in Barça’s 4-2 win over Sevilla on October 20.
Even with his arm untested and playing with a certain caution after returning, Messi managed to score twice in the 4-3 defeat to Betis in Camp Nou. Simeone, who boasts the meanest defence in LaLiga with just eight goals conceded in 12 games, will have to find a way to prevent Messi from adding to his tally on Saturday if he is to break his own unwanted record against Barcelona in LaLiga.
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