Xavi, Iniesta heap praise on Messi

Barcelona playmaker Xavi said he was overjoyed with team-mate Lionel Messi’s comments about him at the FIFA Ballon d’ Or gala.

The Spain international finished third in the poll for the third straight year as Messi picked up the award, while Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo came second.

Upon receiving the prize, Messi paid tribute to Xavi, saying it was ‘a pleasure’ to play alongside the 31-year-old.

“Of course, it (Messi’s praise) moved me, I liked it a lot,” Xavi told Esport3.

“It is better than winning an award.”

“I did not expect him to thank me, he is a great friend of mine and an amazing person, but he is shy.”

Xavi said there are no limits to the Argentine’s potential.

“It is true that if he continues at this level, he will be the best player ever. I have no doubt about it,” Xavi added.

“He is the one who has to test his own limits. If he continues like this, he will break all records.”

“I am happy for him, because he is my friend and also a great guy.”

Andres Iniesta said that Messi is a worthy winner of the FIFA prize.

“He is a unique player and therefore he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, just like Xavi does,” Iniesta said.

“I am happy with it because he is a great team-mate. It is good to be playing with such team-mates.”

“(Pep) Guardiola also deserves his award because those who know him know how hard he works.”

“The important thing is to keep working. For us there is nothing better.”