Barcelona vs Real Madrid – El Clasico combined XI

Right Forward – Lionel Messi, Barcelona

For everything just said about Ronaldo, you could apply Lionel Messi’s name. The pair of them have rewritten the rulebook on modern soccer, but it is Messi who earns the wider acclaim, if only just.

Since making his Barcelona debut in 2004, the Argentine has become a living legend, becoming central to Pep Guardiola’s plans aged just 21 in 2008 and never looking back since.

He is perhaps the biggest team player to ever hold such monstrous individual stats, but like Ronaldo he has never shown any signs of slowing down. In fact, as his game has changed over the years, it could be argued he has become a better, more complete player.

Again, like Ronaldo, Messi has stepped up against Real Madrid before. He is needed in the build up play more than in previous years, so a goal may not be as likely as before, but there is no doubting he will make an impact somehow.

This team wouldn’t be complete without either Messi or Ronaldo, so they’re in.