Javier Mascherano has hailed Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi after his fellow Argentinian continued his superb run of goalscoring form against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League. The diminutive No10 netted his side's second goal in the 3-0 win in Athens as Barça not only secured their place in the last 16 of the competition, but also ensured they would be going through to the knockout phase as group winners.

Messi's strike means he has scored 23 times in all competitions for Barcelona already this season - 16 in his last 11 appearances - and extended his club-record tally in the Champions League to 31 goals in 49 matches. It was also the 150th goal the 23-year-old has scored in official matches for the Catalan giants.

Mascherano said: "We have to enjoy Messi because it will be many years before we see a player of this magnitude again. He will go down in history."

With Messi in phenomenal form - he netted his sixth Barcelona hat-trick of 2010 in last week's 8-0 mauling of Almeria - Pep Guardiola's side now look to be firing an all cylinders after suffering a few setbacks at the start of the season.

We have to enjoy Messi because it will be many years before we see a player of this magnitude again. He will go down in history.
Javier Mascherano

Since being held 1-1 at home by Mallorca at the start of last month, they have reeled off ten wins and one draw in 11 competitive matches, scoring an average of more than three goals per game.

That run could come under threat on Monday night, though, as Barça face a side in equally good form: arch-rivals Real Madrid. The furore surrounding El Clásico has been steadily building for weeks, but both clubs can now finally turn their full attention to the clash.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi said after last night's match: "Now we can think about El Clásico. It's an important game and we're favourites because we're playing at home. We are in form and playing well."

Mascherano added on his club's official website: "We hope to win El Clásico because it's important, but they are still only three points and we don't have to go mad about it. We must try to go into the game with calm."