Lionel Messi is now the all-time top scorer at a men's World Cup after scoring for Argentina against Austria on 21 Jun.
What happened?
Xavi, the former Barcelona player, recalls first hearing about Lionel Messi when he was 20 years old.
A Barcelona youth coach told Xavi about a kid from Argentina who was joining the academy.
The coach said he had never seen anything like him, but Xavi was skeptical at first.
Why it matters for Lionel Messi
Xavi remembers seeing clips of Messi on Barcelona's in-house TV channel and being impressed by his tricks and goals.
In 2004, Xavi finally got to see Messi train with the first team and was amazed by his skills.
Messi was only 16 at the time but was already one of the best players at the club.
What comes next?
Xavi describes Messi as a hard-working and fierce competitor who was always hungry to improve.
He was shy and introverted away from football, but on the pitch, he was a different person.
Xavi says it was easy playing with Messi because he was so good at controlling the ball and finding space.
Messi made Xavi a better footballer, and Xavi tried to do his bit for him too.
Xavi praises Messi as 'the Michael Jordan of football' and says he is 'incomparable, almost inhuman'.
Lionel Messi's record-breaking goal against Austria has cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Xavi's praise for Messi is a testament to his incredible skills and dedication to the sport.
Lionel Messi will continue to be a key player for Argentina in the World Cup, and his fans will be eagerly watching his every move.
The World Cup is ongoing, and Lionel Messi will look to continue his scoring streak in the upcoming matches.
Xavi's comments about Messi have sparked a lot of interest and debate among football fans, with many agreeing that he is indeed 'incomparable, almost inhuman'.
The Athletic's live coverage of the World Cup will continue to bring you all the latest updates and news from the tournament.
Lionel Messi's achievement is a significant one, and he will be looking to add to his tally in the remaining matches.
The World Cup has seen some incredible moments so far, and Lionel Messi's record-breaking goal is certainly one of them.
Xavi's praise for Messi is not surprising, given his impressive skills and achievements on the pitch.
Lionel Messi will continue to be a major force in the World Cup, and his fans will be eagerly watching his every move.
The tournament is heating up, and Lionel Messi will be looking to lead Argentina to victory in the upcoming matches.
Xavi's comments about Messi have added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the World Cup.
The Athletic will continue to bring you all the latest news and updates from the tournament, including Lionel Messi's progress.
Lionel Messi's record-breaking goal has made headlines around the world, and he will be looking to continue his scoring streak in the upcoming matches.
The World Cup is a thrilling tournament, and Lionel Messi is certainly one of the most exciting players to watch.
Xavi's praise for Messi is a reminder of his incredible skills and dedication to the sport.
Lionel Messi will continue to be a key player for Argentina in the World Cup, and his fans will be eagerly watching his every move.