Xavi compares Lionel Messi to Michael Jordan
Former Barcelona teammate Xavi has praised Lionel Messi's longevity and performance as the forward competes in his record-breaking sixth World Cup.
Lionel Messi et Xavi ont passé onze ans ensemble à Barcelone, de 2004 à 2015. (F. Faugère/L'Équipe)
Legendary midfielder and former Barcelona manager Xavi has shared his reflections on the remarkable form of Lionel Messi, who is currently participating in his sixth World Cup at the age of 38. In a column for The Athletic, the Spaniard hailed the Argentine as the «Michael Jordan of football.»
It was very easy to play with him. If you don't know how to combine with Messi, you don't know how to play football, it's that simple. When you make a pass to Leo, he gives it back to you perfectly. Xavi
Xavi, who spent 11 seasons and played 399 matches alongside Messi at the Camp Nou, noted that the forward still possesses his signature quick-footed movement. The former Blaugrana coach emphasized that while most players might have retired after winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi remains a «born competitor.»
The 2010 World Cup winner expressed that watching Messi play today still moves him. He stated his belief that Argentina will reach the latter stages of the tournament and that we are witnessing the best version of the player. Together, the duo won four Champions League titles and seven La Liga trophies during their illustrious time at Barcelona.