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Andres Iniesta backs ex-Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate

 

With just about everyone on the globe debating whether Messi's achievements cement him as the greatest footballer of all time, the World Cup winner's former Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta has weighed in.

Messi scored twice to lead Argentina to World Cup bedlam in Qatar and secure Argentina's third title

Andres Iniesta has backed his ex-Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate, insisting he did not need to win the World Cup to prove he is the best



Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against The Netherlands to crown Spain as champions, told Marca: 'For me it was not necessary for Messi to win the World Cup to consider him the best. With or without a World Cup, he is the best. I think the people who weren't accepting his supremacy in the sport would continue to find excuses even after Leo won the World Cup.'

'It was a well-deserved title not only for Leo but for Argentina. They started the tournament with a loss and they put up with a lot of pressure.'

Iniesta and Messi played together for one of the most phenomenal Barcelona side's in the club's history.

The pair have more than a thousand appearances and 32 trophies between them for Barcelona and were always tipped to see out their careers at the Nou Camp.

It was Iniesta who first departed in 2018 to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe, while Messi arrived at PSG last year.

Iniesta was also asked about if he had any advice for upcoming talent, Pedri, who fans draw comparisons with the Catalan legend.

Iniesta and Pedri and Barcelona's Sports City Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper



'I spoke to Pedri several times and I told him that I am available if he needs any help. I feel that I can help him because he is in Barça and because of the comparisons people are making. He's an amazing boy with incredible talent.'

There wasn't a partnership better than Iniesta and Xavi on the football pitch. People imagine him and Xavi together on Barca's bench as a coaching duo as well. Here's what he had to say, 'It's difficult. People imagine that because they are used to seeing us together on the field and we were happy. It would be nice but difficult.'

Barcelona's iconic duo - Iniesta and Xavi



'Xavi is a coach now and I don't even have a coaching license. The important thing is that Barcelona is back where we want it to be and then we will all be happy.'

'I am confident that the team will win this season. The elimination from the Champions League was a blow, but there are other matches. In La Liga, the team is doing well and I'm sure we'll win it.'

Iniesta said he expected Spain to fo further in Qatar - after they were knocked out by giant-killers Morocco in the last-16.

'Since South Africa, the road has not been easy,' he added. 'In Brazil we were not in the group stage, in Russia, in the round of 16... It is not easy. The playoffs are tough.'

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