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Lionel Messi is set to launch his fourth assault on La Liga's all-time top goalscoring record in the midst of the chaos caused by his recent controversial statements, rumours surrounding his future and his team's current run of form.
Messi dropped a bombshell earlier this week when he told Argentine newspaper 'Olé': "Although I've always said I'd like to stay there forever, sometimes things don't always turn out as you would like them to".
He added: "Things don't always go as planned, especially in football, where things are constantly changing and so many things happen. It's complicated, even more so with things the way they are right now at Barcelona".
One by one, all parties involved, expect the player himself, moved to play down his comments. Firstly, it was the player's father, Jorge Messi, followed by influential defender, Javier Mascherano and club president, Josep María Bartomeu.
Finally came the turn of Barcelona boss, Luis Enrique, who said: "There is no Messi debate".
Dozens of cameras will doubtlessly follow the Barça star during the game against Sevilla, closely scrutinising his every movement and gesture.
His position on the pitch is also under scrutiny, after both Luis Enrique and Argentina boss, Gerardo Martino moved him from his usual role in front of goal out wide to the right wing.
