Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi is not the sort of player to cheat on the football pitch, according to his former club captain Xavi Hernandez.
Messi was accused of play-acting after Filipe Luis was sent off in Barcelona's win over Atletico Madrid back in January, with the Brazilian defender claiming that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner gets special treatment from referees.
However, Xavi, who currently plays as a central midfielder for Qatari club Al Sadd SC, defended Messi and insisted that the Argentinian's behaviour on the pitch is exemplary.
"Messi is a good person. He is always nice, he is honest and he does not cheat. He has never disrespected anyone on the pitch. His behaviour is exemplary," Xavi was quoted as saying by beIN SPORTS on Sunday.
"He is a humble guy, who is very professional and hates to lose. He is the best player in the world in all aspects. I told him to get more involved and he now does it naturally. He is addicted to the ball. He is sad when he cannot play," the 36-year-old said.
--IANS
ac/pur/vt
