Masche on Messi & Xavi

Javier Mascherano ‘wouldn’t trade with Lionel Messi’ and admits it will be ‘strange’ not having Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona.

The Argentina international has spoken about his teammates in an interview to preview La Blaugrana’s Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, which takes place on Saturday.

“I wouldn’t trade with him,” Mascherano said of his compatriot Messi, AS reports.

“I can’t imagine living his life. You have to be very special to bear the burden of proving every three days, every game, you’re the best in the world.

“When the ball passes through Leo the play is clean and the game ends up being even more beautiful.”

On Xavi, the departing veteran who had an emotional send off as Barca were awarded the title at Camp Nou in their last League game, Masche expressed his admiration for his soon-to-be-former colleague.

“It will be strange to start next season and not see Xavi in the locker room,” he acknowledged.

“His significance has transcended the pitch. In the locker room he was a great captain who knew the good and bad of this club.

“It isn’t hard to be a captain of a locker room as healthy as this, so loyal and faithful.”

Tags Javier Mascherano Lionel Messi Xavi Hernandez
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