In the 2000s, few midfielders showed the vision, precision and life expectancy as defined Xavi Hernandez‘s famous career. The Barcelona The legend is recently processed Lionel Messi2010 Ballon d’O or win, that came at the expense of both him and Andres Iniesta.
Xavi, Iniesta and Messi formed a trio that helped Barcelona become one of the most dominant teams in the world’s football and won many trophies together. However, the 2009-10 season had special importance as Both Xavi and Iniesta played important roles in Spain’s World Cup triumph. Despite this, Messi claimed the prestigious Ballon d’O or That year.
In an interview with France’s footballThe award organizing bodies together with Fifa at that time, Xavi reflected on the result: “I don’t consider myself a better football player than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or winner during these years, not at all. I am proud to have quit third three times, even if an official “bronze ball” is not assigned. It’s a shame – I would love to France football to give me some to show in my museum“Said the Barca legend while he laughed.
Although they won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup that season, Many fans believed that Xavi or Iniesta deserved Ballon D’O given their World Cup triumph. In the end, Messi received 22.67%of the vote, before Iniesta (17.36%) and Xavi (16.48%), which runs the debate on the award.
Xavi, however, chose to focus on a broader performance of Barcelonadominance during that era. “That photo with my friends Andres and Leo is historically, incredible. For me it is the victory in a philosophy, a unique recognition of our style and our inheritance“He admitted.
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Xavi admits that Messi and Ronaldo were on another level
Although he was named the third best player in the world three times (2009, 2010 and 2011), Xavi never viewed himself in line with Messi or Ronaldo. He explained what separates these two from him. “I was a player but I didn’t have the ability to decide a match on my own“Pronounced Xavi and acknowledged Messi and Ronaldo’s unique ability to turn games on their own.
However, Xavi’s influence was undeniable. Over 933 career performances he scored 112 goals and provided 216 assistsCementation of his heritage as one of the biggest players and helps suppliers in football history.
