Better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?! Barcelona legend Xavi reveals true feelings on three straight third-place Ballon d'Or finishes

In a recent interview, former Barcelona midfielder and coach Xavi highlighted the impact and value he brought to the team during their campaign under Pep Guardiola, claiming he was influential enough to deserve at least a bronze medal.

The four-time Champions League winner underlined just how important he was during that golden era, pointing out that he finished third in the Ballon d'Or rankings three years in a row from 2009 to 2011. While Xavi admitted that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were on another level at the time, he also made a strong case for himself, highlighting the impact he had from midfield, controlling games and dictating the tempo.

In 2009, Xavi finished behind Messi, who secured his first Ballon d'Or, and Ronaldo. The following year saw an all-Barcelona podium with Messi taking the top spot, Andres Iniesta second, and Xavi third.

In 2011, the midfielder once again secured third place, with Messi and Ronaldo finishing first and second, respectively.

In the interaction for Ballon d'Or, Xavi said: "The only thing I'd like is the Ballon de Bronze. Three times I have been the third-best player in the world, and once fourth and fifth, and from 2008 to 2012. I do not consider myself a better footballer than Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo, or those who have won these recent years. I consider myself a playmaker who orchestrates the game. I do not have the capacity to win a match. What I have is the ability to build a way for the team to win. I am very proud to have been there, and above all to have written history. The photo with my friends Iniesta and Messi is something historic. It's amazing, I've surpassed my dreams."

The former Barcelona head coach has been out of work since his departure from the club but has been linked with several teams across Europe, including Tottenham Hotspur. In an interview with France Football in March, Xavi revealed that he would be open to managing another La Liga side in the future.