Barcelona schemer Lionel Messi believes El Clasico is unlike any other game in the world, as he prepares himself for Saturday's mouth watering derby with Real Madrid
With both clubs still in with a fighting chance of usurping surprise league leaders Sevilla, an added importance will be placed on a contest that could not be more evenly poised.
Neither reigning champions Barcelona or a Madrid side in transition have scaled the heights to which they are capable this season, but with points so important at this stage of the campaign, it will be a fraught atmosphere which ensues at Camp Nou.
"I always place more importance on winning than on the fear of defeat," Messi revealed.
"During the week leading up to El Clasico, people are desperate to find out who'll be starting the big match.
"People really want to know that! If I walk around Barcelona, people tell me to win the match.
"You're left in no doubt that people everywhere are paying attention to every move we make. It makes me feel good, knowing so many people are encouraging youÂ… and loving you.
"I don't hate Real Madrid. That's not my style. I just love Barcelona."
While Messi will be concentrating his efforts solely on El Clasico at the weekend, he does concede that on occasion he is partial to watching the Premiership.
An admirer of the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, Messi believes there are several English players who could make an impression in Spain.
"I like English football very much because it has rhythm," he concluded.
"Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool matches are usually a sight for sore eyes. Any of their players could play very well in Spanish football.
"Good examples are Gary Neville, Theo Walcott, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney. I like Joe Cole's style of play a lot too."