Xavi backs Messi ahead of Copa clash

Xavi believes Lionel Messi will again prove decisive when Barcelona renew their rivalry with Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Messi has been a key performer for Barca in recent seasons and Xavi is anticipating more magic from the diminutive Argentine in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Leo will always make the difference,” the Spain midfielder told the Barcelona website.

“He’s usually a decisive player and he’s someone who grows with these games and likes playing in these games.”

Unlike Messi, Real Madrid’s star man, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been accused of going missing in the derby clashes.

The Portuguese ace has also come in for some criticism of late for his relatively poor form in front of goal but Xavi believes criticism of the former Manchester United man is unfair.

“Strikers do have runs of scoring and sometimes they dry up,” he said.

“It’s something a player gets used to – especially goal-scorers.”

While the form of Messi and Ronaldo always attracts headlines, the work done by Sergio Busquets is never appreciated, according to Xavi.

“He should have been in the FifPro World XI,” he said.

“He’s an extraordinary player and he rarely makes a mistake either in attack or defence.”

“He gives us balance and is key to our system. He’s more valued by his fellow professionals than by the media.”

Barcelona, who are currently five points behind Madrid in La Liga, will host the second leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday week.