BARCELONA legend Xavi has backed his former team-mate Lionel Messi to keep playing until he’s 40.
The Argentinean maestro, 32, has shown no signs of slowing down despite his advancing years.
Xavi, right, has backed Messi to play until he is 40Credit: EPA
Messi kept up his phenomenal scoring ratio this campaign with 19 league goals in 22 appearances before the coronavirus disrupted the season.
Barca’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu previously revealed how the club are already laying the foundations for the captain’s retirement.
But Xavi believes he has plenty left in the tank and believes he could even play at the 2024 Qatar World Cup.
During an Instagram chat with former striker Samuel Eto’o, the 40-year-old said: “He’s still got five or seven very good years left in him.
“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.”
Xavi also admitted that he had received a big offer to fulfill his dream of managing Barcelona in January but decided it was too soon.
He has been manager of Qatari side Al Sadd for a year but has been touted to take over from current boss Quique Setién in the summer.
Talking of the speculation, he added: “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.”
And if he is appointed, he made it no secret of his desire to bring Neymar back to the Nou Camp.
He added: “Footballing wise, he’s in the top three or five players in the world, no doubt.
“He can make the difference. Let’s hope he returns to Barcelona. I’m a Barcelona fan and I want the best players there.”
Messi has shown no signs of slowing down this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
