Spain international reflects on his career at the Santiago Bernabeu as well as the joy of winning the World Cup in South Africa last summer

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has admitted he feels “uneasy” as a goalkeeper when he has to face Barcelona forward Lionel Messi but says he enjoys their encounters on the pitch.

Messi is considered as the finest player in the world at the moment by most football followers, and Casillas, who is regarded by some as the best goalkeeper on the planet, admits it is a pleasure to battle against the Argentina international.

"Facing a player like Messi makes a goalkeeper uneasy because he is very talented,” the 30-year-old is quoted as saying by Madrid’s official website on the occasion of him attending a football seminar for children in Mexico.

“It is nevertheless always a pleasure to play against him. "

Messi and Casillas confronted each other five times last season, twice in the Primera Division, once in the final of the Copa del Rey and in the two-legged Champions League semi-finals.

Madrid could win only one of their encounters – the King’s Cup, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo header in extra-time – while Barca went on to win the league and the European Cup.

Casillas also reflected on his development and growth at the Santiago Bernabeu since the early noughties and said: “When I wasn't a starter in many games in 2002 I relied on my strength.

“Mental strength is the most important thing a goalkeeper, or any kind of footballer, must have. You gain a lot of ground if you have that."

The Spain international custodian also enthused over winning the World Cup in South Africa last summer.

"I have magnificent memories of winning the World Cup because Spain suffered for many years and deserved something like it," he said.

“The joy, satisfaction and pride one feels lifting the trophy are incredible. I get goosebumps whenever I see those images."