Recalling what Messi said when Barcelona hired Xavi

 

Back in November 2021 after Barcelona appointed Xavi, his former teammate Lionel Messi passed a vote of confidence on the ex-midfielder.

"I'm sure Xavi will help Barcelona," Messi told Marca. 

However, Xavi has already won his first title as a Barca coach by securing the Spanish Super Cup last month. Barca are also in the box seats in La Liga with an eight-point gap on Real Madrid.

It's exactly why Barca are now talking about extending Xavi's contract which ends in 2024.

"They'll improve thanks to him – he's a manager who knows how to proceed in these situations, he knows Barca so well.

"It's a great appointment," Leo concluded.

Xavi's Barca career a manager has not been without turbulence since Messi made those comments. In Europe, his Blaugrana side have flattered to deceive having been knocked out of two consecutive Champions League group stages.