Former FC Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández has said he doubts football will ever produce another player like Lionel Messi, describing the Argentina captain as a once-in-a-generation talent who dominated every aspect of the game.
Xavi Hernández made the remarks while speaking on the YouTube channel of Brazilian legend Romário. Drawing on 15 years spent playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, the Spanish tactician painted a vivid picture of a footballer he believes stands apart from any past or future rival.
Xavi said even the arrival of other global stars, including Neymar, never came close to matching Messi’s influence and all-round ability.
“I hope I’m wrong because I’d like them to improve Messi, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. I lived with Leo every day for 15 years, and he was the best at everything: technique, physicality, understanding the game, heading, his weaker foot, his mentality… he’s a competitive animal. Unbeatable,” Xavi said.
“When you gave him the ball, he improved everything and made you better. I was a passer. He was from another planet, well, he is, because he’s going to play in a World Cup. Besides, he’s a humble, hardworking, disciplined, perfectionist person.
“I saw him when I was 16. He’s a phenomenon, from another planet, and also a good person. A good guy.
“I tried to get him to come back to Barcelona, but in the end, the president said no.”
Xavi’s comments add fresh weight to the long-running debate about Messi’s place in football history. The Spaniard witnessed the forward’s rise from teenage prodigy to global icon, sharing dressing rooms and trophy celebrations throughout Barcelona’s most dominant era.
Messi is still playing club football with Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Inter Miami, and preparing to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.
