I Hope Messi and Ramos Will Play In More Clasicos, says Zidane

Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off later today in the last El Clasico of the 2020/21 season at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium and two captains and long serving players of the Clasico could play or have played their last.

Lionel Messi’s contract expires in the summer and is yet to renew amid reports he could leave Camp Nou but Zidane hopes today won’t be his last.

“I hope it’s not (Messi’s last Clasico), I want him to stay at Barcelona, it’s good for the Spanish league,” Zidane told a news conference.

“We know what a player he is, but they’re a very good team and we’ll have to try to stop them playing to their strengths and be as good as we can be on the ball and play as best as we can.”

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos will miss today’s Clasico due to injury and with his contract also expiring in the summer and standstill on renewal, he may have played his last one.

“Hopefully he’s not played his last Clasico. He won’t be fit tomorrow, which is a shame, but I hope he stays here,” the French coach said.

Champions Real currently sit third in La Liga, three points off leaders Atletico and two behind Barca in second place and today’s result could be pivotal in the title race.