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Messi can play in Qatar 2022 World Cup: Xavi

May 05, 2020 09:35 IST

Lionel Messi (left) and Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona celebrate with the trophy after the UEFA 2015 Champions League final against Juventus at Olympiastadion in Berlin

IMAGE: Lionel Messi with former FC Barcelona teammate Xavi. Xavi says it's his dream to coach Barca in future. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

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," Goal.com quoted Xavi as saying 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.

Source: ANI