Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona have a major shot at winning every possible tournament this season. The team is off to a flying start in the Spanish League and has an 18 point lead on rival Real Madrid. The team also has a Champions League date with underwhelming AC Milan in February. For now Bacelona will concentrate its efforts on a Copa Del Rey Battle with Malaga.
The two teams met this past weekend in a 3-1 win for Barcelona. Messi scored his team's first goal before assisting on the other two tallies for Barça.
The Ballon d'Or winner now has a sensational 28 goals and eight assists on the season. He has scored two goals in 2013, but look for him to have an impressive match, if he plays. Messi and company are slated to play on Saturday and that may force the coaching staff to sit Messi. In last week's Copa Del Rey bout with Cordoba, Messi sat while David Villa and Alexis Sanchez dominated the second division squad in a resounding 5-0 win. They may be counted on to do the same in this match.
Meanwhile Malaga has had an impressive season with a group victory in the Champions league and a fifth place standing in the Spanish league.
Prediction: Barcelona is home and will be dominant. 4-2 Barcelona.
Start Time: 3:30 PM EST Match Start