Lionel Messi: 'Don't write Real Madrid off'

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has insisted that his side cannot relax in their quest to regain the La Liga title from Real Madrid.

Barcelona are 11 points clear at the top of the La Liga table, while they are 16 points ahead of fierce rivals Real Madrid, but Messi believes that Jose Mourinho's side can still cause a surprise and challenge the Catalan club for the league title.

Messi told ESPN: "Nothing is settled in La Liga. A few years back Madrid cut our lead drastically. We know you can never write them off.

"We need to continue as we are doing and not make the mistake of relaxing."

Messi has scored a remarkable 27 goals in 18 La Liga matches this season.