Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has acknowledged that he has "huge respect" for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

With the two Spanish giants scheduled to do battle at the Bernabeu on Sunday, Ramos and Messi are expected to go head-to-head in Real's defensive third.

Despite the intense rivalry between the teams, Ramos has revealed his admiration for the Argentina international.

Speaking to La Liga, the 33-year-old said: "I have huge respect for him. I think he's one of the greatest players in history and I have huge respect for him.

"I hope Sunday isn't his day, that would mean we've done our job, and if on top of that we can get a good result even better. I wish him all the best as a fellow professional but only as long as it doesn't affect us negatively!

"It's hard, but he has my maximum respect, I think he's one of the best."

Barcelona head into the showdown holding a two-point advantage over Real at the top of the table.