Messi doesn't need World Cup to be greatest of all time - Former Ex Barcelona Midfielder Xavi

The Argentine's former Barcelona team-mate believes the
31-year-old has already written a legacy as the best ever,
regardless of events in Russia
Lionel Messi does not need to lead Argentina to the World
Cup to be the greatest player of all time, according to
Xavi.
The Barcelona ace endured a torrid start to the 2018
competition, missing a penalty as Argentina were held to a
1-1 draw against Group D minnows Iceland, and was
hence the subject of criticism .
Xavi, a former team-mate of Messi camp Nou and a
World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, believes that even if
the 31-year-old cannot help his side to victory in the
competition for the first time since 1986 it does not bear
an influence on his standing in the game.

"For me, he's already the greatest, he does not need a
World Cup to make sure of it,” Xavi told Journal du
Dimanche.
He was responding to Angel Di Maria’s comment that
“football owes Messi a World Cup”.
And Xavi believes that endorsement simply highlights the
player’s quality.
“For an active player to say that shines a light on Messi’s
greatness. In fact, he does exactly the same things as
Alfredo Di Stefano, Pele, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona
and Zinedine Zidane, but between 10 and 50 years after
them, when there’s less time to think about what you do in
a game,” he said.
A legend of Barca, Xavi spoke about Antoine Griezmann, a
player strongly linked with the club in recent times but
who has chosen to remain with Atletico Madrid .
“I like him because he’s got class and can make the
difference,” he said. “He’s one of the best in the world,
very strong physically. He can do everything.
“He would adapt perfectly to Barcelona or any great team.
Diego Simeone is very lucky to have him.”
Meanwhile, the midfield great has tipped France star Kylian
Mbappe to potentially follow in Messi’s footsteps.
“He’s a formidable attacker at 19, who has shown great
this at PSG and who is going to improve,” he said. “He’ll
be one of the superstars of tomorrow.
“But I find him more physical than talented, like Paul
Pogba, I think, even if I’ve not seen him play this season.”