Xavi Comments on Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Ahead of El Clasico 2015

Barcelona legend Xavi does not believe former Blaugrana team-mate Lionel Messi would have become the player he is today if Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo had not been around. 

The two world superstars could face off in Saturday's El Clasico between Barca and Real, although it is not yet guaranteed that Messi will be fit enough to start, per MailOnline's Luke Augustus.

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Xavi, now playing for Qatari outfit Al Sadd, insists Messi is the best player in history, but he credited Ronaldo with playing a huge part in pushing the Argentine to that level, per ESPN FC's Andy Mitten:

"

Messi stands out as the best at the best time in the history of football.

But he wouldn't be as good without Ronaldo. He wouldn't have won all those Ballons d'Or. And I don't think Ronaldo would have won them all too. They push each other. The difference between the two is that while they're both great goalscorers, Messi is much more involved in the play of the team.

"

Xavi, 35, departed the Camp Nou at the end of last season after a glittering senior career with the club that spanned 17 seasons.

He witnessed Messi advance from a talented La Masia graduate to a four-time Ballon d'Or winner.

The Spaniard will be greatly missed from the weekend's Clasico at the Bernabeu. It will be the first in well over a decade that will not feature him or compatriot Iker Casillas, per Bleacher Report UK:

However, it will be a match packed with quality, and could be crucial in deciding the eventual outcome of the 2015-16 La Liga title race.

Barca currently sit three points clear of Los Blancos in the Spanish top flight. They have managed to get to the top of La Liga, despite Messi's absence, largely thanks to the immense performances of Neymar and Luis Suarez, per BBC Sport:

Messi's potential return is a thrilling prospect and could kick Barca on to an even higher level for their most important fixture of the season so far.

Barca manager Luis Enrique should be wary of throwing Messi back into action too soon, though, as he will be the key component for the Catalans as the season advances.