Published 16:33 IST, April 6th 2020

Xavi claims Lionel Messi is a step above Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho

Barcelona legend and Al Sadd manager Xavi has claimed Lionel Messi is the best player of all time, ahead of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

Reported by: Sujay Chakraborty
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Barcelona legend and Al Sd manr Xavi believes Lionel Messi is greatest player of all time. Spaniard claimed Lionel Messi's consistency puts him above former Barcelona star Ronaldinho, who is at same level with Juventus forward Cristia Ronaldo. 

Ronaldinho was widely considered as one of best players in world football before emergence of Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While Ronaldinho struggled for consistency in latter part of his career, Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to be at pinnacle of world football for over a dece w. Ronaldo and Messi share an astonishing 11 Ballon d'Ors between m and broken several records in ir long career. 

Advertisement

Also Re | Neymar Jr, Jon Sancho, Wingers Galore: Xavi Reveals Transfer Targets For Barcelona Job

Xavi talks about Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Cristia Ronaldo

Comparing Ronaldinho's career to Lionel Messi, Xavi said, "Ronaldinho is at level of best, perhaps what he lacked was consistency. Al Sd manr spoke to Globo Esporte and ded, "Perhaps he lacked consistency in being at his peak. For me, only Messi is above Ronaldinho because of consistency of last few years."

Advertisement

While Xavi placed Messi above Ronaldinho, he still ded Brazilian in a list of elites that included Cristia Ronaldo and Ronaldo Nazario. Xavi furr said, "Messi is best in history, but Ronaldinho is with best. rest follow. He (Ronaldinho) is with best - with Ronaldo (Nazario), with Cristia Ronaldo, Messi, that group."

Also Re | Lionel Messi Furious With Barcelona Despite Possible Return Of Club Legend Xavi: Report

Advertisement

Xavi, who has been managing Al Sd since start of current season was heavily linked to vacant manrial position at Barcelona after club sacked Ernesto Valverde. However, ultimately club opted to hire former Quique Setien inste of inexperience Xavi. Despite Barcelona at top of LaLiga before suspension, Setien has so far failed to impress Blaugrana faithful. Multiple reports have suggested, Xavi remains club's top priority should Setien be sacked ahe of next season. Xavi himself has stated multiple times that he remains interested in returning to Barcelona as a he coach. 

Also Re | Ronaldinho opted Lionel Messi As A Younger Bror, Claims Barcelona Legend Xavi

Advertisement

Why was Ronaldinho in jail?

While Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are dominating world football even at ir 30s. Ronaldinho h a sudden fall from grace during his heyday. Since leaving AC Milan in 2011, Brazilian failed to find much success at any of his four clubs before finally retired in 2015. However, flamboyant Brazilian repeatedly me helines for his eccentric lifestyle and being embroiled in several controversies. 

Earlier this year,  former footballer entered Paraguay with alleged false papers which resulted in him being put behind bars with his bror. Ronaldinho is still serving jail time in South American nation.

Advertisement

 

Also Re | Is Cristia Ronaldo Underrated? Portuguese Has More Assists Than Xavi And Iniesta

(Im Source: FC Barcelona Official Website, Cristia Ronaldo and Ronaldinho's Official Instagram Handles)

16:33 IST, April 6th 2020