FORMER Barcelona superstar Xavi has revealed that Lionel Messi isn’t happy when he doesn’t have the ball.
The pair were team-mates at the Nou Camp for 11 years, winning seven La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during the most successful period in Barcelona’s history.Messi’s goals were a huge factor in Barca’s dominance and Xavi thinks Argentina’s record goalscorer is key if they are to secure a hat-trick of World Cup wins.“Barcelona and the Argentine team can’t afford to spend even ten minutes of the match with Leo not getting possession of the ball,” Xavi explained.“He has to be wherever it goes and if he’s not there, bring it to him or he’s going to get p****d off.“Messi is the one that will make things happen for the team.
“I see them being very capable of winning a World Cup next year.”Messi announced his international retirement in August last year but reversed his decision a week later in order to help them qualify for next summer’s tournament.Jorge Sampaoli’s side currently sit fifth in the South American qualification group, below Peru on goals scored, and only a top four finish will guarantee them a place in Russia.
“It is true that now they are in a difficult situation, which is the qualification in South America,” added Xavi, who currently plays for Al Sadd SC in Qatar.“But we will all agree that if they qualify for the World Cup, they must be one of the favourites based on their players and because I think they have the right coach.“Everyone appreciates Sampaoli in Spain.”Messi will lead Argentina out for their final two qualifiers, as they face Peru on home soil tomorrow before travelling to Ecuador on Wednesday.
From: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/650100/Barcelona-Xavi-Lionel-Messi-unhappy-Argentina-La-Liga