“Why can the Bernabeu not honour Messi?!”
This is what La Liga president Javier Tebas had to say when asked whether he expected the Santiago Bernabeu crowd to esteem Lionel Messi when Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns in this season's first El Clasico encounter, due October 25.
This may come as a nightmare to the Blancos faithful. Honoring a legend of their arch Spanish Primera Division rivals, the Blaugrana. But when looking at the special occassuion that led to these comments, you can't blame Tebas for expecting the Real Madrid fans to pay respect to the Argentine.
Cristianio Ronaldo is chasing a record-breaking 23rd hat-trick in the Liga BBVA, but the feat that Messi is only inches away from will easily overshadow those held by the Portuguese attacker.
The 27-year-old Argentine is only three goals shy of becoming the highest ever goalscorer in La Liga history, with Messi's current tally of 249 goals second best to only Athletic Bilbao legend Telmo Zarra's record of 251.
Messi, only two goals shy of equalling Telmo Zarra's La Liga goalsoring record, and only three goals away from surpassing the Athletic Bilbao legend's feat
UPDATE | Messi is now 2 goals away from equalling Telmo Zarra's Spanish goalscoring record (251 goals) pic.twitter.com/wV87r3CeFz
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) October 4, 2014
It is inevitable. Messi will break Telmo Zarra's record, adding to to the six goals he has already netted in seven games of the new campaign, but only one thing remains undecided. Whether he will do it in front of the Real Madrid fans. Luis Enrique's men will welcome Elbar to Camp Nou before El Clasico, on October 18, and if the four-time Ballon d'Or winner decides he can't wait, Real Madrid supporters can breathe a sigh of relief.
Lionel Messi is only three goals shy of becoming La Liga's highest ever goalscorer
The Argentine superstar could set a new Liga BBVA record when Barcelona travel to face Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in El Clasico
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However, the Albicelete captain could still be looking at accepting an award for his achievement at the Bernabeu, if he surpasses Zarra prior to the mouth-watering clash, as stated by Tebas.
“It will be an important historic moment. Messi will deserve some form of tribute and if he surpasses the record of Zarra, we should pause to reflect on what will be such a historic moment.”
El Clasico could be paused to honor Messi if he breaks Zarra's record at Santiago Bernabeu, hints Tebas
STORY | If Messi beats Zarra's record before #ElClasico, the LFP considers paying tribute to Messi...at the Bernabéu [via @marca]
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) October 8, 2014
Javier Tebas (LFP president): 'A homage to Messi when he beats Zarra's record? It's a historical moment. Something must be done' [via MD]
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) October 8, 2014
Messi, who is already the highest goalscorer in El Clasico history with 21 goals, made his debut back in October 16, 2004, but has gone on to become on of the greatest players to have graced the Spanish top-flight. This was something Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke reflected in recent comments that he made to Al Primer Toque.
"Ronaldo is an athlete, but Messi is a god," said Koke.
The 27-year-old attacker has scored a whopping 21 goals past Los Blancos, the highest tally by any player to have taken part in El Clasico
"They're both great players. I see them on the pitch and it's spectacular. It's tough to decide. You always want them on your team, and even though it's Cristiano, I'd choose Messi."
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