Messi can play in Qatar 2022 World Cup: Xavi

TIL Desk Sports/ Former Barcelona playmaker Xavi is certain of ex-teammate Lionel Messi featuring in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. “He’s still got five or seven very good years left in him,” Xavi said during an Instagram chat with another ex-Barca forward, Samuel Eto’o.

“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,” he added. The 32-year-old Messi scored 24 goals this season in all competitions before the coronavirus pandemic brought the football season to a standstill.

Xavi also expressed his desire to manage Barcelona. “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,” he said.