Messi could play in Xavi's role in few years to come

Fc Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been one of the very best star player the world of football has ever produced.

Since ever breaking into the Barcelona first team he has been playing in the highest level of form winning a lot of tittles and individuals awards in the process. But with age not on his side, a lot has changed in his playing style, like he no longer run like before dropping in into the midfield roll to assist his follow teammate.

According to Domenec Torrent, who served as assistant manager under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, Bayern and Man City, has made an interesting suggestion about how Leo Messi's style of play might change in the next view years.

Thanks to his ball control, great physical shape and understanding of the game, Messi would do great as a midfielder for Barca, according to the former Guardiola's assistant. Even now, Leo often moves deeper to receive the ball, the coach points out.

"He [Messi] is a very smart player," Torrent told Ole as cited by Mundo Deportivo.

"He often moves to receive the ball deeper on the pitch. In a few years, In a few years, he could play where Xavi would if he wanted.

"He does not lose the ball, he gives assists, he has taken good care of his physique throughout his career... If he changes the position when he loses speed, he will be able to play as a midfielder or wherever he wants and he will do well," the coach explained.

Even in 'Xavi's role' Messi would probably stay quite involved in the attack:

Xavi enjoyed a stellar 17-year career at Camp Nou, during which picked up a staggering 25 trophies including eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

The World Cup winner was widely revered as the finest midfielder in Europe at the height of his career, which reached its pinnacle during Guardiola's historic reign between 2008 and 2012.