Before the Clasico ... Courtois provokes Messi and Barcelona respond

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said that he is not particularly preparing for the confrontation of Argentine star Lionel Messi in the Spanish football classic between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"For me, Messi is just like any other player. We studied it as we do with a Celta Vigo or Levante player, there is no difference," Courtois told a Belgian website.

The Belgian goalkeeper's statement sparked wide reactions among the Catalan club fans, who were surprised by the goalkeeper's position, which does not maintain a good record in front of the Argentine striker.

Barcelona did not delay in responding to Courtois, and the club’s official account posted a video clip that combines the nine goals Messi scored against Courtois, including three that passed between the feet of the Belgian goalkeeper.

Real Madrid will receive Barcelona tomorrow, Sunday, in a crucial summit for the future of the Spanish league title struggle this season.

Barcelona leads the league table with 55 points, two points behind the rivals Real Madrid.