In an interview granted to FIFA following the draw for the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez praised Lionel Messi, who will participate in the competition with Inter Miami.
The iconic former midfielder took the opportunity to mention that, despite his controversial dismissal as head coach of Barcelona, he still enjoys watching the club’s matches.
However, he added that no player from the Catalan club or anywhere else captivates him quite like the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Who is the player I enjoy watching the most? It is still Leo. Leo Messi. I enjoy watching Barcelona win; I enjoy many footballers in the world. But for me, Messi is still number one in terms of talent,” reflected the former Barcelona manager.
Although Barcelona will not participate in the tournament, the greatest player in the club’s history will be in action with Inter Miami being drawn in the same group as Palmeiras, Porto, and Al-Ahly.
Xavi still sees Messi as the No. 1. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
During the interview, Xavi analysed the difference between Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and the Spanish national team that dominated between 2008 and 2012, saying:
“Perhaps the difference was Messi. We did not have Leo in the national team, we did not have a player as exceptional as him, so we had to rely more on the team and collective play.
“But we still achieved success: the European Championship, the World Cup, the European Championship. And at Barcelona, we also had a very good generation that won everything.”
Finally, Xavi described the Club World Cup as “exciting” and “an opportunity for clubs from around the world, beyond the European ones that already compete at a very high level.”
He added, “I believe this competition will be a turning point. It will be wonderful for any club in the world. Football fans will be eager to watch.”
Source: SPORT