“The Best Was and Still Is Leo” – After Lionel Messi Out-Muscled Him in Ballon d’Or Race, Barcelona Boss Xavi Quashes Being Robbed of the Honor

Lionel Messi and his remarkable achievements out-muscled many soccer luminaries over the decades. La Pulga clinched seven Ballon d’Or during his illustrious career, primarily with Barcelona. On this note, Xavi Hernandez shared his take on not receiving recognition as the best player in soccer while being part of the Argentinean’s era of dominance. Xavi and Messi enjoyed enormous success together at the Camp Nou, winning seven La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies between. 

The Spanish maestro was the backbone of Blaugrana, which led to immense success from 2008 to 2015. Earlier, he never asserted himself to be in contention for the prestigious individual award, with Lionel Messi already propelling at the peak of his domestic career. Yet, Xavi mentioned his thoughts on the achievements of Messi. 

Did Lionel Messi, with his greatness, overshadow Xavi’s honor?

Xavi’s excellent link-up play helped Messi receive the ball and allowed him to run past the defenders. In turn, it resulted in some of the glorious goals scored in the game. However, the 43-year-old legend did not claim responsibility for influencing the Argentine on the field in aiding the Inter Miami captain’s career achievements.

Xavi believed it ideally suited Lionel Messi for such personal accolades, including each Ballon d’Or he won. In an interview, they asked Xavi, “Were you one of the players who was wronged for being in Messi’s generation and not getting a chance to win the Ballon d’Or.”

On this note, Xavi replied, “But I don’t feel that way. The best was, and still is Leo, I think he is the best footballer in history, for me.”

Meanwhile, reports leaked that Lionel Messi will claim the 2023 Ballon d’Or, as soccer fans raised their eyebrows. It seems like La Pulga will soon add his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy to his cabinet in the upcoming days.

Read more: “He Has Already Changed Everything” – Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Stint Gets Ex-Teammate’s Shout-out, Despite MLS Exit

2023 Ballon d’Or already decided in the Argentine’s favor?

Media outlets have reported that Messi has already been bestowed the title of the Ballon d’Or winner for this season. The Argentine is gearing up to be recognized as the best player this season, thanks to his ecstatic performances with club and country. The Argentine guided his squad to World Cup glory in Qatar, which also marked the pinnacle of his season.

Messi’s eighth golden ball will set a record for the most ever by any soccer player on this prestigious stage. However, many soccer pundits held a contrasting viewpoint and believe Erling Haaland should have won the Ballon d’Or this season. To sum up, do you agree with Xavi’s remark on Lionel Messi? Comment below and let us know.

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