Qatar 2022: Messi world best; Ronaldo now top 5, says Barcelona boss Xavi

Barcelona boss, Xavi Hernandez, insisted his former teammate Lionel Messi is still the best player in the world.

Xavi, who won the Champions League and countless other trophies with Messi at Barca as a player, still holds the Argentine in high regard.

Messi helped his nation to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup, as did former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal.

Xavi explained, “He (Messi) is still number one.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is still among the 3-5 best on the planet as well.”

Asked if he would like to coach Messi one day, Xavi replied: “Of course, who wouldn’t?”

Asked if there were other players he would love to coach, Xavi added: “Any of the greats.

“In France, Mbappe for example. Neymar, Messi, I would like them a lot.”