Within the twenty first century, few midfielders have displayed the imaginative and prescient, precision, and longevity that outlined Xavi Hernandez‘s illustrious profession. The Barcelona legend not too long ago addressed Lionel Messi’s 2010 Ballon d’Or win, which got here on the expense of each him and Andres Iniesta.
Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi fashioned a trio that helped Barcelona turn out to be one of the crucial dominant groups in world soccer, profitable quite a few trophies collectively. Nevertheless, the 2009-10 season carried specific significance as each Xavi and Iniesta performed pivotal roles in Spain’s World Cup triumph. Regardless of this, Messi claimed the distinguished Ballon d’Or that 12 months.
In an interview with France Soccer, the award’s organizing physique alongside FIFA on the time, Xavi mirrored on the end result: “I don’t think about myself a greater soccer participant than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, the Ballon d’Or winners in these years, by no means. I’m proud to have completed third thrice, though an official ‘Bronze Ball’ isn’t awarded. It’s a disgrace—I’d love for France Soccer to offer me a number of to show in my museum,” the Barca legend stated whereas laughing.
Regardless of profitable La Liga, the Spanish Tremendous Cup, the UEFA Tremendous Cup, and the Membership World Cup that season, many followers believed Xavi or Iniesta deserved the Ballon d’Or given their World Cup triumph. In the end, Messi acquired 22.67% of the votes, forward of Iniesta (17.36%) and Xavi (16.48%), fueling debate over the award’s consequence.
Nevertheless, Xavi selected to give attention to the broader achievement of Barcelona’s dominance throughout that period. “That picture with my mates Andres and Leo is historic, unimaginable. For me, it’s the victory of a philosophy, a singular recognition of our model and our heritage,” he admitted.
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Regardless of being named the third-best participant on the planet thrice (in 2009, 2010, and 2011), Xavi by no means thought of himself on par with Messi or Ronaldo. He defined what set these two aside from him. “I used to be a playmaker, however I didn’t have the power to determine a match by myself,” Xavi acknowledged, acknowledging Messi and Ronaldo’s distinctive potential to show video games single-handedly.
Xavi’s impression was plain, although. Over 933 profession appearances, he scored 112 objectives and offered 216 assists, cementing his legacy as one of many biggest playmakers and help suppliers in soccer historical past.
