Xavi admits Eric Abidal's recovery from surgery is an inspiration.
The Barcelona fullback will start at Wembley against Manchester United after having a tumour removed from his liver earlier this year.
Xavi says he has been amazed by his team-mate's rapid return to action ahead of this Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley.
"He has shown he is an example to all humanity," Xavi said.
"For everything he represents - his values, his competitiveness, his recovery, his involvement, and overcoming [the illness] and wanting to be back. You wouldn't have thought he had even had an operation."
Xavi praised Abidal's handling of his illness, saying: "I haven't lived a situation as bad as that - it was a question of life or death.
"Now he is back and he's just as strong as he was before the operation - it's amazing.
"He's an example for so many people. He transmitted such calm. We were more anxious than he was. His return is great news."
