The six-time Ballon d’Or winner, 32, this season was in a typical star shape for Barca. Scoring 24 goals in all games before the Covid-19 pandemic halted the proceedings.
Messi still has five or seven outstanding years
According to the long-time Barcelona team-mate Xavi, Leo Messi could play until he is almost 40 years old. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner, 32, this season was in a typical star shape for Barca. Scoring 24 goals in all games before the Covid-19 pandemic halted the proceedings. Messi may never have been so crucial to the Blueagrana’s overall chances of success. So Xavi feels that the Argentinean superstar has a lot left in the tank – both club and international. “He still has five or seven outstanding years”, Xavi talked about Messi while chatting on Instagram with other ex-striker Barca Samuel Eto’o.” He takes good care of himself and can continue to play until he is 37, 38, or 39 years old. He will perform at the Qatar World Cup, I’m sure.”
That was not the right time to coach Barca
If Messi reaches these levels of longevity, then Xavi, it would seem, hopes to take responsibility for him as head coach. The Al Sadd’s boss held talks with his former employers earlier this year before Quique Setien was appointed successor to Ernesto Valverde. “That was not the right moment in January,” Xavi said, echoing the comments made on this issue earlier this year. “I had conversations with Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau and a big offer, but that was not the right time. I need more experience. Coaching Barcelona my dream. I want to make it one day. Ideally, Xavi would also saw Neymar returned from Paris Saint-Germain and has been part of any of his potential detachment.
The Brazil striker has often been linked to moving back to Camp Nou since his record transfer to the French capital in 2017. “Football is wise, he is in the top three of the five best players in the world, no doubt,” Xavi added. “He can make a difference. Let’s hope he gets back to Barcelona. However, Neymar’s presence at Camp Nou next season seems unlikely due to the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus. In an interview earlier this week, Barca boss Setien admitted that he thought there wouldn’t be any mega transfers this summer.