Marcus Rashford picks out Lionel Messi hat-trick from memory as Barcelona loanee admits El Clasico 'isn't the biggest game in Manchester'

Messi was just 19 years of age when making his first decisive contribution to a Clasico contest, with said outing taking place on March 10, 2007. He was almost unplayable that day, with a stunning hat-trick being recorded in an absorbing encounter at Camp Nou that finished 3-3.

He helped himself to another match ball in March 2014, as he outgunned eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in a thrilling 4-3 victory for Barca at Santiago Bernabeu. Rashford is fully aware of what the fixture means to everybody in Catalunya, and millions of fans around the world.

He will get to experience that occasion himself on Sunday when Barca head to the Spanish capital. Rashford is raring to go, as he looks to try and emulate the brilliance of Messi and Co. The England international told Barcelona’s official YouTube channel, having previously graced Manchester derbies during his time with boyhood club United: "It’s my first Clasico and I’m looking forward to it because it’s maybe the biggest game there is. I’m from Manchester, so it’s not the biggest game in Manchester. It’s the most watched game in the world."

Rashford added on his memories of watching Clasico clashes growing up: "It’s just that big of a game that is important, if you want to learn from the best players, especially how to be so good in the most pressured moments, you have to study these games.

"To remember one memory is difficult. You watch all the El Clasicos from history. You try to learn from the best players, especially in the most pressure moments. I remember, for example, Messi’s hat trick in his early days in El Clasico. These games are fantastic to watch because you don’t have to be a Barcelona or Real Madrid fan to enjoy this game.

"I expect the atmosphere to be really good. These games are fantastic to watch. And it’s great because you don’t have to be a Barcelona or Real Madrid fan to enjoy this game. It’s a special game."

Rashford has registered five goals and as many assists across his loan spell with La Liga giants. Hansi Flick will be looking for more moments of inspiration from the 27-year-old against Real. He is, however, just one star in a dazzling galaxy at Barcelona.

Rashford told ESPN when asked to pick out the team-mates that have impressed him most since linking up with the Blaugrana: "There are many very talented players in the team, but the most prominent, without a doubt, is Lamine Yamal, and for me, Pedri is truly amazing. I knew he was a great player before I came here, but playing alongside him every day is a real pleasure.

"It’s hard to pick just one thing, because there are so many things I already knew about him. I think his understanding of the game is one of his greatest strengths, and that’s been clear since he started playing with the first team.

"His ability to handle the ball is amazing, and that’s not surprising – maybe if I had to choose one thing, I’d say his dribbling ability. He’s excellent at dribbling, but that’s also not strange, because he hardly ever loses the ball.

"It’s great to have him on the team, and if Pedri is on his game, there’s a high chance the team will score a lot of goals. I hope he continues to play at this level for himself and for all of us."

Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona will head to the Bernabeu sat second in the table, two points adrift of leaders Real - meaning that a positive result for Rashford and Co will take them back to the summit before matchday 10 in the 2025-26 campaign comes to a close.