Former FC Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández, has said he doubts football will ever see another player like Lionel Messi.
Having spent 15 years as Messi’s teammate at Barcelona, Xavi described the Argentine as a rare talent, a “one-off” whose brilliance stood above all others across every aspect of the game, from technique to mentality.
Speaking on Romário’s YouTube channel, Xavi admitted that even players he admired, including Neymar, never matched what he experienced alongside Messi.
“I hope I’m wrong because I’d like them to improve Messi, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. I lived with Leo every day for 15 years, and he was the best at everything: technique, physicality, understanding the game, heading, his weaker foot, his mentality… he’s a competitive animal. Unbeatable.
“When you gave him the ball, he improved everything and made you better. I was a passer. He was from another planet—well, he is, because he’s going to play in a World Cup. Besides, he’s a humble, hardworking, disciplined, perfectionist person.
“I saw him when I was 16. He’s a phenomenon, from another planet, and also a good person. A good guy.
“I tried to get him to come back to Barcelona, but in the end, the president said no.”
