It will be a strange sight on October 24 when Real Madrid clash with rivals Barcelona at the Nou Camp, with one man being a notable absence from El Clasico.
Next Sunday's derby will be the first in the 'post-Messi' era, as the legendary Barcelona player made the switch to Paris Saint Germain in the summer.
French hitman Karim Benzema says the game won't lose its appeal however, despite Messi 's absence.
He told ESPN: ""For me, it's still the same. It remains the best match that exists in football.
"It doesn't matter about the players who are there, who have left or who will join. Real Madrid vs Barcelona is historic.
"The names change but before there was (Zinedine) Zidane, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, (Samuel) Eto'o. Real-Barca will always be Real-Barca."
Real Madrid are currently top of La Liga, while Barcelona have only won once in six matches so far.
El Clasico kicks off at 3.15pm next Sunday and is available to watch on LaLigaTV by subscribing to Premier Sports.
