Xavi, the former Barcelona midfielder and current manager, has expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, calling him the "Michael Jordan of football." In an interview, Xavi reflected on his first encounter with Messi during his early years at Barcelona and how the Argentine's talent was immediately apparent. He emphasized Messi's unparalleled skills, both technically and mentally, and his ability to elevate the game around him.

"When I first met Messi at 16, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He was a phenomenon, and even now, after all these years, he is still the same. His mentality is extraordinary, and he has the perfect physique for football," Xavi said.

He recounted a memorable moment from the 2011 Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, where Messi's individual brilliance changed the course of the match. Xavi also praised Messi's leadership qualities, especially in recent years as the captain of the Argentina national team. "He is the undisputed leader, in words as well as actions. His unquenchable desire to win is very Argentine, very competitive," he noted.

Despite his age, Xavi believes Messi is still at his peak and capable of achieving more. "He has surpassed the greats of the past because of his longevity. He has been the best for the last 20 years, and even now, he shows us that. He can’t stand losing. He has a champion’s mentality that will never be matched," Xavi concluded.