Xavi names Lionel Messi the 'greatest player in history' and pays tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi (L) and Xavi (R) were teammates at Barcelona for more than a decade.

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has named his former teammate Lionel Messi as ‘greatest player on the planet’, as per the reports on ESPN. While Messi has been conquering the world for more than a decade with his unbelievable talent, Xavi believes Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is also responsible for the former’s achievement and excellence on the pitch.

The 35-year-old midfielder, who joined Qatari club Al Sadd in summer after spending his entire career with the Blaugrana side, has also paid tribute to the Portugal captain who is leading the charge for his former club’s fiercest rivals Real Madrid.

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo gets intense week after week and season after season. Both players have shared the last seven Ballon d’Or awards between them. The ex-Spain international has now paid tribute to the three-time Ballon d’Or winner and has stated that the duo have spurred each other to set new benchmarks in a sport which is at the highest level it has ever been.

“Pele and [Diego] Maradona both made a huge difference, but football has evolved,” the former Barcelona midfield maestro said in an interview.

“The players are better than they were, the game is better. Physically, tactically, technically and psychologically, football is better than ever. And Messi stands out as the best at the best time in the history of football,” Xavi explained.

“But he wouldn't be as good without Ronaldo. He wouldn't have won all those Ballons d'Or. And I don't think Ronaldo would have won them all too.

“They push each other. The difference between the two is that while they're both great goalscorers, Messi is much more involved in the play of the team.”

Xavi admits Messi has matured over the years

Xavi and the Argentina captain have been fielded on the same side for more than 10 years at the Camp Nou and he has admitted that Messi has matured immensely over the years.

“He's become a man,” Xavi added. “He's shy, but when he has your confidence and trust you see what he's like and he's a very good person.

“He's a joker, one of the biggest in the dressing room. He's witty, very ironic in his humour. He's intelligent and he's clever. Most of all, he's a winner.”

The four-time Ballon d’Or has been sidelined with a knee injury since September, but he has returned to training since Monday. However, Messi still remains a doubt for the highly-anticipated Clasico on Saturday.

Xavi is currently playing in Qatar with Al Sadd

Barca have reached a spectacular level without Messi: Xavi

During Messi’s absence, the Spanish champions have won five out of six games in La Liga and are currently ahead of their rivals Los Blancos in the league table by three points. Much of Barca’s recent success has been down to Neymar and Luis Suarez’s scintillating form. The duo have stepped up in the absence of the no.10 and Xavi has revealed that he has been following their games and is impressed by their recent results.

“They've reached a spectacular level without Messi,” he said.

“They have an intensity in defence, they press high, they give no time for the other team to think.

“Barca will win trophies again this season, I'm confident of that. Things are looking very good for the next games; I have a good feeling about them. It's a very, very good time.”