Lionel Messi has spoken about what made Andres Iniesta such a special teammate during their time together at Barcelona.
Lionel Messi would often make a beeline for Andres Iniesta when things got 'difficult' on the pitch – and it sums why he was such a special teammate. Iniesta , 40, is expected to announce his retirement from football at an event on October 8 – the shirt number that accompanied him for the majority of his professional career.international has been in Dubai with his family, training and keeping fit in order to try to find a new adventure.
Only a few weeks ago, Iniesta opened up on his desire to keep playing. 'I feel like I would like to continue playing football until I feel that the time has come for me to stop,' he said.As well as his goal in the 2010 World Cup final, Iniesta will be remembered most for his 22-year spell at Barcelona, where he shared the pitch with some of the all-time greats, including 'I always picture him with the ball at his feet,' Messi said. 'That's the way I have got used to seeing him. He does everything well, with simplicity. 'At times, it may look like he's not doing anything, but in fact he's doing it all. Everything is different with Andrés. The hardest thing to do in football is to make it look like everything is easy, effortless, and that's Andrés.'Messi also gave an insight into what he would say to Iniesta if the team were struggling in a game. 'On the pitch, I like him to be near me, especially when the game takes a turn for the worse, when things are difficult. That's when I say to him: 'Come closer, I want you by my side.' 'He takes control and responsibility; he leads the team. In the finals, Andrés, Xavi, Busquets and I have always liked to come together to give us a numerical advantage, to control the ball and the game.' Messi added: 'We've experienced very happy moments together and I particularly remember an emotional embrace at the Bernabeu after a goal. That was a lovely gesture from him.
Football Messi Iniesta Barcelona Retirement
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