Comparing the best Barcelona trios of this century

#3 Xavi, Iniesta and Messi

Messi thrived as a false 9 due to Xavi and Iniesta in midfield

Xavi, Iniesta and Messi is the only trio in this list which comprises of midfielders. This trio deserves a mention in the list because of the impact they had on the game especially during the Guardiola era.

Guardiola deployed Messi as a false nine for the first time in a league game against Real Madrid in May 2009. This move saw Messi link up effectively with the midfield players as he dropped deeper than normal forwards do.

The game finished 6-2 in favour of the Catalans with Messi scoring a brace and this was just the start of a beautiful link up between these three players.

Xavi and Messi would keep the ball immaculately, thus allowing the full backs and wingers to move forward. This, in turn, created space for the false 9 – in this case, Messi and the Argentine needs no invitation to punish an opposition when he is given space.

The two Spaniards didn’t assist many of the goals Messi scored, but it was the telepathic understanding between these three on and off the ball that made Barcelona immensely successful during the Guardiola era.

The importance of Xavi and Iniesta to Messi’s goal scoring success became evident when the Argentine struggled in front of goal for the national team.

The trio’s success didn’t go unnoticed as they were the top three for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d’Or.

In terms of impact, success and longevity, this trio is arguably the best one Barcelona have had.

Rating: 10/10 – Extremely successful, changed the way the game was played and have won numerous individual and team honours.