Lionel Messi Scores Twice but Barcelona Draw with Deportivo Was Xavi's Day

CAMP NOU, BARCELONA—It's rare that Lionel Messi can score two goals for Barcelona and nobody cares. Cristiano Ronaldo out-did the Argentine at the Santiago Bernabeu with a hat-trick, and no Barca fan cared about that either.

Because this was Xavi's day—from the start of it, with the photo-calls outside, where fans could have their picture snapped with a mural of the legendary midfielder, to the end, with Xavi delivering a speech to the Camp Nou with tears in his eyes.

The 35-year-old captained Barcelona in his 505th and final appearance in La Liga before his move to Qatari side Al-Sadd.

Before the game, fans rolled a huge banner down the lateral stand with a message reading "6raciesXavi" for his 17 wonderful seasons in Barcelona's first team.

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That was the same message that was embroidered on the players' shirts that they wore during the 2-2 draw with Deportivo de la Coruna.

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It's important to note that the Galician visitors had something to celebrate too, with their draw enough to keep them in Spain's top flight and relegate minnows Eibar.

Xavi was dictating the pace of the game—as he usually does—and as Luis Enrique said afterwards, he could clearly keep going at the top level if he wanted to.

The coach said in his post-match press conference, per Sport:

"

To see Xavi so emotional at the end of the game and the reception he was given, that will be one of the images from this league season that stays with me. Nobody can replace Xavi. There is no other Xavi. As a player, he is practically unique. For me, Xavi is still good enough to play one more year for Barca. But it's his decision.

"

On the last day in La Liga, the clocks around the grounds are not run. They remain at zero minutes. A fitting, albeit unintended, tribute for the Barcelona metronome's league bow.

Xavi, however, was not standing still. Fabricio saved his chip, while another effort was deflected around the post. The fans oohed and aahed, cheering every touch he made at the start of the game.

They had to stop that after a while, or they would all have been left voiceless in the morning, because he was touching the ball so much.

At one point, Barcelona had well over 80 percent possession, and it felt like an appropriate homage for the midfield master.

Messi scored twice, and it looked like Barcelona were going to sail to victory, with the likes of Rafinha and Neymar pulling their best party tricks out of the bag.

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But then back struck Deportivo, with goals from Lucas and Diogo Salomao, and they were level, staying in La Liga and avoiding the drop.

It didn't spoil the celebrations, with Xavi lifting the league title and parading it around the pitch, also later embarking on an individual lap of honour.

His team-mates threw him in the air above their heads, donning Xavi t-shirts, and eventually it was time for him to give a speech.

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When he made way for Andres Iniesta after 85 minutes, there were tears in Xavi's eyes. He had seemed to compose himself after that, but back they came when he took the microphone. He said, per Sport:

"

Good evening everyone and thank you for everything. Today I'm the happiest the man in the world and I have been for the last 17 seasons that I have spent here. I would like to thank my family, my wife, my friends and everyone here.

You have been unconditional, you are all fantastic. Barca is the best club in the world. And to finish, as the mister [Luis Enrique] has said, this is not the end. We want two more titles and we want to be with you all [celebrating] in Barcelona on June 7th. Visca Barca, visca Catalunya!

"

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We will see Xavi again at the Camp Nou. Probably on Saturday, when Barcelona take on Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey final. But if not then, in the future.

Although for the time being he is committed to his new venture in Qatar, it is almost impossible to imagine that he will not end up back at the Camp Nou one day. Potentially in the dugout.