Messi is big obstacle for Xavi

Maybe it's because they compare by using statistic. Once I read, that according to statistic, Messi is better than Xavi. But of course, you can't compare how much a player contribute to the team just from statistic. But well, anyway, Xavi didn't give this matter a lot. And like you said, they pay respect one another in the same team. :)

Both of them has their own strengths and when best player is concerned, it's usually determined by the number of goals scored. Look at all the past winners, majority of them are usually forwards, strikers and very rarely it's won by any defensive player. Whatever messi is doing and has achieved, are all because of his team mates. Without them, messi is nothing, just like when he's playing for argentina. If Xavi is a forward, or starts scoring goals, he would definitely win it.

Sadly for Xavi, this is the reality. He is always there in the top 3 or the top 5, but someone else always nips the award from him. But for me he is definitely one of the best play-makers of all time. Cheers! Ram

I agree. Xavi deserves more as he has achieved all, both for clubs and national team.Unfortunately, Xavi always comes second after Messi. Xavi is not a fast player, however, Spain and Barca plays differently without the magic touch of Xavi.