Xavi Hails Messi as Football's Michael Jordan: 'Incomparable, Almost Inhuman'

Xavi Hernández, the Barcelona legend and current Al Sadd manager, has penned a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate Lionel Messi in his first column for The Athletic. The midfield maestro pulled no punches, declaring Messi the 'Michael Jordan of football' and describing him as 'incomparable, almost inhuman.'

A fitting comparison

Drawing parallels across sports is always tricky, but Xavi’s analogy carries weight. Just as Michael Jordan redefined basketball with his scoring, clutch moments, and global impact, Messi has done the same for football. Over the past two decades, the Argentine magician has amassed a trophy haul and individual awards that border on the absurd. Xavi, who played alongside Messi during Barcelona’s golden era, knows better than anyone the unique ability of the man he once fed passes to. 'In football, there is no one to compare to him,' Xavi writes, emphasizing that Messi's brilliance has endured for 20 years—a feat unmatched in modern football.

The case for longevity

What sets Messi apart isn’t just his peak—it’s the sheer length of it. From his breakout in the 2004-05 season to his current stint at Inter Miami, Messi has consistently produced moments of genius. Xavi notes that even now, at 37, Messi continues to dazzle. This longevity places him above other all-time greats like Diego Maradona or Cristiano Ronaldo, who also had sustained excellence but perhaps not the same constant level of otherworldly consistency. Messi’s ability to adapt his game as his physical attributes decline—dropping deeper, orchestrating play, and still delivering decisive contributions—is a testament to his football IQ and dedication.

What Xavi’s words mean

Coming from Xavi, a player who shaped Barcelona’s identity alongside Messi, this praise is more than just nostalgia. It’s a reminder of the privilege of witnessing true greatness. Xavi’s columns for The Athletic will likely offer more insider insights, but this opening salvo sets a high bar. For fans, his declaration that 'we will never see a footballer like him again' is both a celebration and a sobering thought. As football evolves—more athletic, more tactical, more system-driven—a player with Messi’s intuitive genius may be a relic of a different era. The implications for the sport are profound: while we cherish the present, we must prepare for a future without the little magician. For now, Xavi’s tribute serves as a timely reminder to savor every remaining moment of Messi’s career, because once he’s gone, the game will never be the same.