Xavi: Messi never cheats

Former Barcelona and Spain captain Xavi insists Barcelona's Lionel Messi is an honest and respectable player who would never cheat.

Back in January Messi was accused of 'play-acting' when he got Filipe Luis sent off, which further provoked the Brazilian to claim Messi gets 'special treatment' from the referees. 

However, his former team-mate Xavi has stepped in to defend the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, claiming his behaviour on the pitch is commendable.

"Messi is a good person," Xavi told beIN SPORTS. "He is always nice, he is honest and he does not cheat.

"He has never disrespected anyone on the pitch. His behaviour is exemplary.

"He is a humble guy, who is very professional and hates to lose.

"He is the best player in the world in all aspects. I told him to get more involved and he now does it naturally.

"He is addicted to the ball. He is sad when he cannot play."