Iniesta: Playing with Messi A Privilege
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The World Cup winner is considered one of the finest midfielders of all-time but he says he is in awe of his "unique" Barcelona team-mate.
Barcelona ace Andres Iniesta says he feels privileged to have played alongside Lionel Messi for such a long time and hopes he continues doing so for years to come.
Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the finest attacking midfielders of all-time, having been an integral member of a Blaugrana side that changed the game with its brand of 'tiki-taka' football, as well as cementing his place in history by scoring the winning goal in Spain's World Cup final win over Netherlands in 2010.
However, the 31-year-old says he remains humbled by the fact that he has been lucky enough to have spent the past 11 years playing alongside four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, Goal. com reported on Saturday.
"We have experienced all sorts of situations together and we know each other so well," the Barca No.8 stated.
"We have lived alongside one another for such a long time. And to have experienced what we have together is to be very happy."
"The truth is that it is a privilege to play with him. I cannot say much more than that. Leo has always been unique for me and hopefully I get to play with him for a lot longer. That's what matters."
Iniesta also believes that it is essential that Barca - who went through a rough patch in January that resulted in speculation over Luis Enrique's position as coach - make the most of this current spell of calm at Camp Nou and add to last season's remarkable treble triumph.
"Because of the times in which we live, when things go wrong, it's very difficult," he added.
"When you have harmony, it is much easier. Now that we are enjoying such a moment, we must seize it."
