Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez and current Al-Sadd captain in Qatar, spoke to Mundo Leo. He said that "(Lionel) Messi is a very normal person and a total footballer" and also repeated his desire "to be a coach".

"People say that Leo has a special character, very tough, strong, but no. He's not as difficult as people think. But Lionel Messi is a very simple, very normal person," said Xavi. "He's capable of dribbling, organising the play, passing, making a killer pass, breaking the lines, taking free-kicks, penalties, shooting from outside the area, he's a total footballer and has been progressing through his career.

"Barcelona and Argenta cannot allow 10 minutes of the game to pass without Messi touching the ball, he has to come into the play. He has to be where things happen in the play, where the ball goes."

Future

Xavi, 37, says he will soon retire and become a coach. "I've had luck not to be injured and I think my career has come towards its end, there's been a descent. Qatar allowed me this. Now I see myself being more tired, it's harder to recover, it will surely be my last year of being a footballer. I have the idea of getting my coaching license next year and being a coach."