Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was delighted to see former teammate and player Lionel Messi lift the World Cup finally as Argentina defeated France on penalties in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The seven time Ballon d’or winner has a very glittery career having won several accolades that are available in the sport. It was only the World Cup that eluded him but this time he has fulfilled his childhood dream of bringing glory back to his country, Argentina.
Messi led the way for La Albiceleste as they won the final against France on penalties after the score was drawn at 3-3 even after extratime. It was Emi Martinez’s brilliance to deny France a shot at back to back World Cup titles, a very unique record. But that was not the case as Argentina won the trophy after 36 years and the situation was simply mad as the Argentines all over the world went berserk.
Xavi, who has played with Lionel Messi for a long time at Barcelona and later the Argentine even played under Xavi’s leadership as the latter became FC Barcelona manager. Although Messi left the club for Paris Saint Germain soon after, Xavi still lauds him for his exceptional efforts and was very happy for his old teammate.
“Argentina really deserved it, they were better at the game, just like Leo. That the best player in history did not have a World Cup was a bit strange,” Xavi stated. “He now has the World Cup, so all that remains is to congratulate him, because he deserves it. The best had to have a World Cup.”
Out of the players who play under him at Barcelona, Xavi shared his sympathies with Ousmane Demble and Jules Kounde who featured in the finals but ended up on the wrong side on the night. “It has been an extraordinary final for the spectators. I feel bad for Jules and Ousmane, but it was spectacular, one of the best matches I’ve ever seen,” Xavi added.
The 2022 World Cup is already considered as one of the best World Cups ever as it had a lot of different amalgamations of footballing styles and also had several shocking results proving how the world is getting better at football at a global level.
Lionel Messi who was the man of the moment after the final whistle at the finals of the World Cup, shared that he would like to continue playing for La Albiceleste as the ‘World Champion’. “I will not retire. I want to continue playing as a champion,” Messi shared after the World Cup win.
However Messi also revealed that he is not going to make it to the next World Cup won’t be ideal for his age. He also feels that going out this way is the best because there’s not much more to achieve.
“Yes. Surely yes. There’s a lot of years until the next one and I don’t think I have it in me and finishing like this is best. [I feel] a lot of happiness to be able to achieve this,” the Argentine magician replied when asked if this one was his last World Cup.
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