Xavi: Messi is the best in history, but Ronaldinho is with the best

The former FC Barcelona midfielder also feels Messi is above Ronaldinho in the pecking order is because of consistency.

Former FC Barcelona stalwart Xavi has heaped praise upon Ronadinho and Lionel Messi, two of his former teammates at the club. Ronaldinho’s tenure with the Barcelona concluded with the arrival of Pep Guardiola, who led the club to one of their most successful streaks ever. FC Barcelona emerged victorious with two UEFA Champions League titles during that time period.

“Ronaldinho is at the level of the best, perhaps what he lacked was consistency. Perhaps he lacked consistency in being at his peak. For me, only Messi is above Ronaldinho because of the consistency of the last few years," he said.

Messi is the best in history, but Ronaldinho is with the best. The rest follow. He [Ronaldinho] is with the best – with Ronaldo, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, that group,” Xavi further added.

The legendary midfielder is currently managing the Qatar-based team Al Sadd. He took over the reigns of the club on July 2019 and has signed a two-year long contract. In fact, he carried the side to the semifinals of the AFC Champions League. However, Al-Hilal SFC knocked out Al Sadd in that encounter.

Both Ronaldinho and Messi have had remarkable careers in FC Barcelona. More importantly, Xavi was an integral part of the setup that both of these illustrious forwards played and excelled in.

Ronaldinho won the FIFA World Player of the Year twice, consecutively in 2004 and 2005. Messi, on the other hand, has claimed six Ballon d’Or titles and ten La Liga seasons with the Catalans. The Argentine has also aided the team to acquire four Champions League trophies and is currently the captain of the team.

However, the ongoing campaign is suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak that has brought a halt to footballing activities almost everywhere across the world.