Blaugrana ace Messi has plenty left in the tank, says Xavi Hernandez.
Barcelona legend Xavi says his former teammate Lionel Messi will play at the 2024 Qatar World Cup. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to attract praise as he has shown no signs of slowing down this season. Just before the coronavirus shutdown the Argentina superstar had already found the net 24 times for the Catalan club. However, former Barca midfield maestro Xavi says he is convinced Messi will play football at age 39. "He's still got five or seven very good years left in him," Xavi said of Messi during an Instagram chat with ex-Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.
More: Lautaro Martinez' Will Thrive At Barcelona. "He takes good care of himself and he can keep playing until he's 37, 38 or 39. "He'll play at the Qatar World Cup, I'm sure." In regards to speculation linking Xavi to take over from current boss Quique Setién, the 40-year-old replied: "In January, it wasn't the right moment. "I had conversations with Eric Abidal [Barcelona's sporting director] and Oscar Grau [Barcelona chief executive] and a big offer, but it wasn't the right moment. I need a bit more experience. "Coaching Barcelona is my dream. I'd like to do it one day. I've said that many times."