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Xavi has told BBC Sport that Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi would be even better in the Premier League because he would be able to exploit more space than in La Liga. Messi, 27, is just one goal short of equalling Telmo Zarra's all-time La Liga goalscoring record of 251, and won four Ballon d'Or awards between 2009 and 2012. The Argentina captain is one of the 23 nominees for the 2014 prize, and despite his achievements in his 10-year career at Camp Nou, Xavi believes Messi would be an even more fearsome player had he moved to England. "I think he'd be even better in the Premier League because it is not so defensive," Xavi said. "When defending against Barcelona, they [English clubs] play on a 1 vs. 1 basis, defending with passion, a lot of energy. But Leo would find more spaces than in La Liga." Barcelona added Luis Suarez to the squad this summer to play alongside Messi and Neymar in the front line, and Xavi thinks the trio deserve the plaudits due to their match-winning talents. "The press give those three the top headlines and they are the ones that can make the difference on their own," he said. "It's a luxury to have them at the club and from there we have to take advantage of that." Xavi, 34, was linked with a move away from Barca this summer but decided to stay at Camp Nou, and while he admits England is tempting, he is glad to have stayed with his club since joining the Masia academy at 11 years old. "The Premier League is a very attractive," he continued. "Liverpool, for example, is a team that has something special -- the stadium, the fans, everything. But I always prioritise Barcelona -- it's my life, it's my world. I am lucky and wouldn't change it for anything. "Matt Le Tissier never left Southampton, so I think it was a good thing for him, however nowadays there are few cases of this. But I have had the luck of being with Barcelona for so many years." With former Barca midfielder Luis Enrique currently coaching the Blaugrana, Xavi admits he could follow in his former teammate into management, though is concentrating on his playing career for now. Asked whether he could one day coach Barca, he added: "I don't know, maybe. I would love to work for Barcelona because I am a Barcelona fan. This sport is my passion and this would be the maximum for me. Let's see what the future holds but, for now, I really enjoy my football. Many ex-players have told me to keep on playing for as long as possible."
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