Messi eyes next record

One of the great attractions of the match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona will be to see if Leo Messi is able to beat one of the few records that is left on his list – the record for scoring in the most consecutive league games. The Argentine is one goal away from equalling the record set by Brazilian Ronaldo, who netted in ten consecutive league games during the 1996-97 season – the Former Barcelona striker scoring 12 goals.

Messi has notched up 14 goals in the last nine outings – two more than Ronaldo – but he has to score another against Real Sociedad to catch up with the Brazilian. If the Argentine forward manages to lead Barça to victory, the team will have clocked up 11 consecutive wins away from home, which would be a new feat for the Catalan club, after 12 wins on the road in the 2010-11 campaign.

Barça’s Basque hosts will hope the Anoeta stadium continues to prove to be a difficult place to visit, as well as for Messi, who is yet to score at the ground. Real will be aiming to be the first team to defeat Saturday’s visitors so far this season. San Sebastián is one of Barcelona’s worst hunting grounds, despite the club’s huge following in the Basque region.

The league leaders have only come away with three points in 17 of the 65 visits – with 25 home wins and 23 draws. Real has not lost at home to Barça since the former returned to the top-flight in the 2010-11 season.