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 lately 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 grow to be some of the dominant groups in world soccer, profitable quite a few trophies collectively. Nonetheless, 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 yr.
In an interview with France Soccer, the award’s organizing physique alongside FIFA on the time, Xavi mirrored on the 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, in no way. I’m proud to have completed third thrice, although an official ‘Bronze Ball’ isn’t awarded. It’s a disgrace—I’d love for France Soccer to offer me just a few 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 obtained 22.67% of the votes, forward of Iniesta (17.36%) and Xavi (16.48%), fueling debate over the award’s consequence.
Nonetheless, Xavi selected to deal with the broader achievement of Barcelona’s dominance throughout that period. “That photograph with my buddies Andres and Leo is historic, unbelievable. For me, it’s the victory of a philosophy, a novel recognition of our fashion and our heritage,” he admitted.
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Regardless of being named the third-best participant on the earth 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 flexibility to determine a match by myself,” Xavi said, acknowledging Messi and Ronaldo’s distinctive capability to show video games single-handedly.
Xavi’s affect was plain, although. Over 933 profession appearances, he scored 112 objectives and offered 216 assists, cementing his legacy as one of many best playmakers and help suppliers in soccer historical past.
