Messi claims Clasicos improving

Lionel Messi said the standard of quality in matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid improves every time they play.

The Argentine and opposing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo each scored braces in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Camp Nou and the 25-year-old Barcelona forward thinks the increasing regularity of their encounters only serves to improve both sides.

“We (have) played so often that we know (each other) by heart,” Messi told Fox Sports Radio del Plata.

“It becomes more and more difficult for the two teams, that is why the matches are better.

“It was a nice game against Real Madrid, mostly for people who went to see. It was complicated like all derbies, they could have won and then we could.”

The Argentina international also denied being given his nation’s captaincy burdened him, and urged his side to stay focused in their World Cup qualifying campaign after an encouraging start.

“Being the captain did not change anything in the way I have to treat me my colleagues. It’s not a heavy burden. Meanwhile we are first, we all keep close,” Messi said.

“You lose a game and you’re down. Now we’re good, we continue to grow. We should not go crazy because of good results. The team is being respected, but we still have to improve.”

Messi also reserved some praise for Atletico Madrid’s Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.

“I can’t say anything new about Falcao. He’s a great player with outstanding quality,” he said.