Many former players believe that in order for any talent to be in the greatest player of all-time discussion, they at the least need a FIFA World Cup winners’ medal. In the case of Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, he believes that Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi does not need to win a World Cup to be recognized as the best player in the sport’s storied history.
At a recent promotional event for Banco Santander, Hernandez made a case as to why Messi is the best player of all-time.
“For me, there is no discussion,” Xavi said. “He is still the best player in the world, and the best in history. Comparable with the best players of each era, like Maradona, like Pele, like Cruyff, like Di Stefano. … Football is growing and evolving, and Leo continues to be the number one regardless of whether or not he wins the World Cup.”
Messi does already boast quite a career resume, from the seven Ballon d’Or wins to the four UEFA Champions League triumphs. If Messi can lead the Argentina national team to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, it sure would then convince many others that the PSG star is indeed the best player ever.
Messi will return to World Cup action on Saturday in Argentina’s World Cup group stage matchup against Mexico.
