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Xavi played with Messi for several years at Barcelona.

'Messi never cheats, his behaviour is exemplary'

The 36-year-old has defended the Argentina international from accusations he gets special treatment.

LIONEL MESSI IS not the sort of player to cheat on the pitch, according to his former Barcelona team-mate Xavi.

Messi was accused of play-acting after Filipe Luis was sent off in Barcelona’s win over Atletico Madrid back in January, with the Brazilian defender claiming after that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner gets special treatment from referees.

However, Xavi has defended Messi and is adamant the Argentinian’s behaviour on the pitch is exemplary.

Messi is a good person,” Xavi told beIN SPORTS. “He is always nice, he is honest and he does not cheat.

“He has never disrespected anyone on the pitch. His behaviour is exemplary.

“He is a humble guy, who is very professional and hates to lose.

He is the best player in the world in all aspects. I told him to get more involved and he now does it naturally.

“He is addicted to the ball. He is sad when he cannot play.”

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    Mute Ruairi O'Bric
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    Sep 4th 2014, 9:10 PM

    On form lar has no business starting. Maybe there is a big game in him yet this year

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    Mute Fair Good
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    Sep 4th 2014, 9:40 PM

    Yeah but he will take watching all the same.

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    Mute Ruairi O'Bric
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    Sep 4th 2014, 10:02 PM

    Yearra the way he is playing you could watch him handy from the upper davin

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    Mute Shane McDonnell
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    Sep 4th 2014, 9:39 PM

    Oh I can’t fookin wait!

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    Mute Brian Kelly
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    Sep 4th 2014, 10:29 PM

    No Mickey Cahill! I’d rate him one of the best hurlers going. Never seen him play a bad game and always picks up the opposition’s top inside forward.
    O’Shea must have serious faith in these boys.

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    Mute An_Beal_Bocht
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    Sep 5th 2014, 12:00 PM

    My biggest worry is if someone of the likes of bonnar or Callanan get injured or aren’t performing we don’t have the strength in depth to replace them. Backs are okay but kk have much more strength in depth all over the pitch. It’s an 18 man game now

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    Mute Gavin Buggy
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    Sep 5th 2014, 12:07 AM

    Doubt it makes a difference what Team he picks..

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    Mute Cian Walsh
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    Sep 5th 2014, 12:18 PM

    Think people are a bit misguided on Tipp’s strength in depth, we have Jason Forde, Niall O’Meara and Dinny Maher to spring of the bench if needed. Another with potential is Colin O’Riordan or Shane Bourke who had a good league campaign. On form Lar and Noel McGrath probably shouldn’t be selected but we don’t see every training. I have been their biggest critic but can only hope there’s a big game in both on Sunday.. Its going to a be cracking game on Sunday all the same… so many questions, so many moving parts..

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    Mute Richard Walton
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    Sep 5th 2014, 12:11 AM

    Just what I wanted to hear, as long as Lar Corbett plays, we’ll be playing 14 men :)

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    Mute Philip
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    Sep 5th 2014, 12:43 AM

    Tell that to Noel Hickey! Hel be quick to tell you what Lar can do!

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    Mute Ruairi O'Bric
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    Sep 5th 2014, 6:40 AM

    * could

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    Mute Seanie Bourke
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    Sep 5th 2014, 11:25 AM

    There won’t be much sign of you Gavin on this site Sunday night I can tell ya after that comment..

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