Xavi has declared Barcelona the greatest team in the history of football!
Barca won the Liga and Champions League Double this season.
Xavi told Bild: "There have been some great teams in history, Pele's Brazil, (Johan) Cruyff's Ajax, (Arrigo) Sacchi's Milan but in the past 20 years this Barcelona team is the best."
On Messi, he added: "He is the best player of all time - better than Pele, Maradona or Cruyff.
"We have to protect him as he is crucial.
"Without him we would not be what we are."
Speculation prior to the Wembley showpiece suggested coach Pep Guardiola was on the verge of standing down but Xavi hopes the former Barcelona midfielder "stays forever".
He added: "He (Guardiola) is very intelligent, very enthusiastic and very 'Barcelona-ish'.
"He is a great coach and I hope he stays forever, if not as coach then as sporting director or president."
