LIONEL MESSI GETS “pissed off” if he does not receive the ball and should always be the focal point for Barcelona and Argentina, says former team-mate Xavi Hernández.
Xavi was part of a golden era alongside Messi under Pep Guardiola at Camp Nou, claiming 25 trophies with the club before departing for a new challenge with Al Sadd in 2015.
Messi’s status as a global phenomenon is beyond doubt, and he has enjoyed an illustrious domestic career, winning eight LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and five Copas del Rey with Barca.
However, it has been a story of heartbreak for Messi with Argentina, losing three Copa America finals and missing out on 2014 World Cup glory to Germany.
Messi has often come under scrutiny for failing to replicate his sublime Barca form with his country, but Xavi says both sides must make the most of their prized asset.
“Barcelona and the Argentine team can’t afford to spend even 10 minutes of the match with Leo not getting possession of the ball,” Xavi said in an interview with Mundo Leo.
He has to be wherever it goes and if he’s not there, bring it to him. (Otherwise) he’s going to get pissed off.
“Messi is the one that will make things happen for the team.”
Argentina only occupy a play-off spot in the CONMEBOL section of World Cup qualifying.
They host Peru on Thursday before visiting Ecuador on Tuesday as they bid to clinch a top-four spot that will secure their spot for the tournament next year.
While their campaign has been underwhelming, Xavi believes Jorge Sampaoli, who took over as head coach in May, can lead Argentina to World Cup glory.
“I see them being very capable of winning a World Cup next year,” he continued.
“It is true that now they are in a difficult situation, which is the qualification in South America.
“But we will all agree that if they qualify for the World Cup, they must be one of the favourites based on their players and now because I think they have the right coach. Everyone appreciates Sampaoli in Spain.”
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If you were the greatest footballer to ever grace the planet you’d want the ball all the time too. For Argentina it’s a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth. Too much attacking talent overloading the place might work on Fifa but not in real life. They *should* still qualify from the World Cup.
@Leon: Messi literally had 3 and sometimes 4 players on him against Las Palmas and still managed to play well and score goals. Even the value of the fact that he can attract that attention and free up space for others is underrated. No other player in world football has ever needed to be quadrupled up on 30 yards from goal. GOAT.
@Leon: ‘ If ‘ being the right word there
@Brian: Las .. who ??? Exactly
@Hoof Hearted: do “las who” have to do that to other players?
@Hoof Hearted: Showing how little you know about the game by first questioning Messi’s GOAT status and then turning your nose up at Las Palmas. As you were…
@Leon: Leon I bet I’m watching football a lot longer then you , and I’m also entitled to my opinion Las Palmas are rubbish because their players are rubbish, tell me that he needs 3/4 players from Juve, Bayern or Madrid for instance around him and I just might be impressed. A couple of weeks ago he scored 4 against another sh!t team and people were wetting themselves here and losing their f*^king minds.
@Hoof Hearted: did you know that Barcelona aren’t the only team Las Palmas play, nor is Messi the only player they play against? The point which has gone way over your head is that teams feel the need to cover messi to such an extent, and not other opposition players including Ronaldo, Bale, Griezmann, etc.
@Brian: yes s#it teams !
But but but but only Ronaldo does that
@powerfix: Ronaldo wants someone else to do the dirty work amd put it on the tip of his toe with an open goal or will sulk if somebody else takes his glory. Messi wants the ball 40 yards from goal to create chances and build up play for his team mates to win a match. Big difference.
@Brian: *and
@Brian: now Brian that’s either a very poor effort or you’re just a sad sap ! Ronaldo is nearly 33 and has had to adjust his game, let’s see Messi at 33 . So take time out from here if you can some time and google / YouTube Ronaldo he terrorised teams for years with his attacking powers from all over the pitch. Sadly he doesn’t have the legs to do that now but he is still doing what he has always done best and that is putting the ball in the net and it’s doesn’t matter if it’s from 50 yards at two yards. As I’ve said he has adjusted his game let’s see if Messi can do that successfully when the time comes.
@Brian: that’s the biggest load of trolling tripe I ever read here.
@Mark Nugent: couldn’t make it past “sad sap”. aren’t you about 70 years old?
@thatsnotme: the funny thing is you know its not tripe at all.. even if it is exaggerating it is a very slight exaggeration and you can’t deny it’s far from the truth. if not you don’t watch football, simple as.
@Brian: well you are clearly not as you have to google Ronaldo plays
@powerfix: Are you honestly comparing the Prima Donna to the GOAT ? HAHHAAHHAHAHHAAHHAHHAHHAHAHA
@Brian: the only thing simple here is the ability to see through your sad hatred for one club that’s dictates the content of all your comments regarding Ronaldo. It’s pathetic and childish so when you’re ready to have a proper conversation regarding how great both players are and the enjoyment that they both bring I’ll be in the neighbourhood.
@Brian: you sound like you’re about 12