Barcelona's season has been a hard one to analyse.

Ernesto Valverde's side have really struggled in the league against 'smaller' opposition, losing to both Leganes and Real Betis so far in La Liga.

However, against more formidable opposition, the Blaugrana have thrived.

They've beaten Tottenham 4-2 away from home, saw off Inter 2-0 in the Nou Camp and hammered Real Madrid 5-1 on their home turf.

They also beat Sevilla 4-2, which is no easy feat at all.

When the international break is over, Barca make the daunting trip to the Wanda Metropolitano to face title rivals Atletico Madrid.

A loss in that game would see Barca surrender their lead at the top of the table.

Luckily, they should have Lionel Messi fit and firing after his return against Betis - he scored twice in that game despite the 4-3 loss.

And Atleti right-back Juanfran was full of praise for the Argentine superstar when discussing the game.

He believes Messi is superior to Cristiano Ronaldo and also stated how he is the "opposite" to Neymar.

Juanfran said: "For me, Messi is the best, I've always said it. He and Cristiano have marked differences, but Leo has always had a little more. I respect him very much.

"On the field you can kick him, he doesn't complain much. Neymar, on the other hand, is the opposite of Messi."

Someone is clearly not a fan of Neymar.

The Brazilian had a fair few run-ins with Atleti players during his days with Barcelona and his 'play-acting' was the subject of much debate during the World Cup.

Messi has always been one to simply get on with the game when fouled, which is a regular occurrence given his ability to beat defenders.

The fact the Argentine has avoided serious injury throughout much of his career is a minor miracle.