Andres Iniesta has heaped praise on Lionel Messi after it became official that the Argentine No.10 would leave Barcelona this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain is the likely next destination for Messi, who did unprecedented things with Barcelona in his 17 years with the first team.
“It was a privilege to be by his side for such a long time,” Iniesta told RTVE ahead of Saturday’s men’s football final at the Olympic Games. “He’s No.1. I haven’t seen anyone do what he has done year after year. The way he bettered himself and influenced the team.”
After jokingly inviting Messi to join him in Japan, Iniesta turned his attention to a player who can play a big part in Barcelona’s future, Pedri.
“Pedri has to keep being Pedri, not Iniesta,” Iniesta said. “He has a lot of talent, he has room for improvement and he’s at the perfect club.
“What he’s done with Barcelona and Spain speaks for itself. He has to keep growing and he can become a pillar of the side. I’m convinced he will be.”
