That Spanish squad featured a host of Barcelona stars, including Andres Iniesta, who cemented his place in history with an extra-time winner in the World Cup final against the Netherlands. According to Zidane, the Ballon d’Or that year should have gone to Iniesta.

Speaking in 2018 during a Real Madrid press conference after a training session, Zidane—then serving as the club’s head coach—praised Iniesta’s brilliance and lamented the oversight.

“I admired his style of play, and he never won a Ballon d’Or, but he deserved one. He should have won it the year he won the World Cup. He had an exceptional year, won the World Cup, and scored the goal in the final. It’s obvious he deserved it,” Zidane remarked.

That year, Barcelona won LaLiga but fell short in the Champions League. Messi, however, claimed the top scorer titles in both competitions and ultimately took home the Ballon d’Or, even though Argentina was eliminated in the World Cup quarterfinals by Germany. Iniesta finished second on the list, while Xavi secured third place

France Football’s apology to Iniesta

In 2018, as Andres Iniesta announced his retirement, Pascal Ferré, the editor of France Football—the organization behind the Ballon d’Or—issued a rare public apology to the Spanish midfielder.

“Forgive us, Andres,” Ferré wrote in an editorial. “To us, he wasn’t just a player; he was the player. His sacrifices for his team ultimately cost him greater individual recognition. Of all the names absent from the Ballon d’Or winners’ list, his is particularly painful. He’s the greatest facilitator in the history of the game”.

In closing, Ferré captured Iniesta’s brilliance with a simple observation. “While most of his contemporaries struggled, he made the game look effortless for 15 years. Without vanity, he simply focused on bringing the game to life,” he added.

Iniesta reflects on the Ballon d’Or snub

In 2022, during an interview on Jordi Wild’s The Wild Project YouTube channel, Iniesta was candid when asked if he felt the Ballon d’Or was something the world owed him.

“No. I mean that sincerely. If someone says they play to win those awards, that’s fine. Would I have liked to win one? Of course. But it’s not something I feel is missing in my life,” Iniesta explained. “I’ve never been too focused on individual awards, even though I’ve won some. It’s not something that was ever deeply ingrained in me”.

Andres Iniesta participated in a dynamic challenge proposed by influencer Ofmanny on TikTok. There, he had to choose the five best players in history. Iniesta has always acknowledged that FC Barcelona played a defining role in his career. As a result, he included three former Barça players in his top five: Laudrup, Guardiola, and Xavi. He completed the list with two legendary Spanish midfielders, David Silva and Santi Cazorla.

Andres Iniesta’s top 5 players list is truly well-rounded. Michael Laudrup was one of the best players of his era. He played a key role in leading FC Barcelona to their first-ever Champions League triumph in the 1991/92 season. Additionally, Pep Guardiola is not only one of the best soccer coaches in history. He was also one of the greatest players in FC Barcelona’s history.

Surprisingly, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo made the cut. One thing all players on his list have in common is that they are already retired. This suggests that Iniesta may have excluded active players like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for that reason. However, Iniesta has stated on several occasions that Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.

Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi partnership at FC Barcelona

Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi shared an impressive on-field connection. They played 488 games together, combining for 53 goals. The chemistry between them was evident, with results that went beyond statistics. When Iniesta announced his retirement from professional soccer, Messi posted a heartfelt message. On his Instagram stories, Messi wrote, “One of the teammates with the most magic and the one I most enjoyed playing with.”

Andres Iniesta’s future revealed: What’s next for the soccer legend

Iniesta will not remain idle in retirement. The legendary midfielder plans to prepare for a future as a coach. He expressed that he cannot imagine a life outside of soccer. However, Iniesta emphasized that he wants to go through the entire process without skipping any stages.

“In this next step I have that motivation to continue training outside of soccer, but in the same way. I need to learn, to make mistakes, to train myself, in the club project we have, the academies… which is a legacy I want to continue to maintain. And I’m already starting with the coaching course. Those of you who know me know that I’m quite stubborn. I hope to do a great job not running after the ball, but from the other side,” stated Andres Iniesta on October of 2024.

Toure, who was part of a winner star-studded Barcelona squad, admitted that picking the best teammate wasn’t easy, but ultimately, he settled on Andres Iniesta.

“[Lionel] Messi was top, [Andres] Iniesta was top, Xavi was incredible, but I have to say Iniesta,” Toure shared with GOAL when asked to name the best player he played alongside in his 22-year career.

“He had something different,” Toure said of Iniesta. “Playing with him… it was just different. Watching him, I learned so much about technical skills and how to read the game,” added Toure, who played alongside Iniesta at Barcelona from 2007 to 2010. “He also taught me about covering my back. Before, I only looked forward. It made my transition to England much easier,” he concluded.

Toure’s admiration for Messi

Though Toure chose Iniesta as the best teammate of his career, he didn’t leave Lionel Messi unacknowledged. In a conversation with BBC Sport, Toure expressed his respect for the Argentine star, calling Messi “special” and “different.”

“He’s a quiet character, always focused on his football,” Toure said about the Messi he knew during their Barcelona days. That was the unstoppable Messi who burst onto the scene, won his first Champions League titles, and collected Ballon d’Or awards.“He’s the perfect teammate, and playing with him was a pleasure,” Toure concluded about Messi.

Toure’s achievements alongside Messi

Together, the duo lifted multiple trophies, including two LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup. In 2010, Toure left Barcelona following a clash with Pep Guardiola and went on to join Manchester City, where he continued his winning ways.

Just hours after Iniesta’s announcement, Messi posted a photo of the two during their time at Barcelona, accompanied by a moving caption: “One of the most magical teammates and one I enjoyed playing with the most. @andresiniesta8, the ball will miss you, and so will we! Wishing you the best always, you’re a phenomenon.”

Messi and Iniesta played together in 482 matches for Barcelona, during which Messi netted 412 goals, provided 150 assists, and helped lead the club to an incredible 32 official titles.

Their legendary partnership reached its height during the Champions League finals in 2009, 2011, and 2015, where they helped solidify Barcelona’s dominance on the European stage. Iniesta, who has always held Messi in the highest regard, has consistently stated that Messi is the greatest of all time (GOAT).

Iniesta picks Messi as the best player in history

In a 2022 interview with TyC Sports, Iniesta made it clear that when it comes to the greatest player in history, there’s no contest—it’s Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend didn’t hesitate to praise Messi as the most talented and decisive player he’s ever shared the field with.

Together, the duo won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga trophies, forming a key part of what many consider the best club team ever, under Pep Guardiola.

“Messi is the best, for me. Whether we talk about the Messi of the past or today, he’s different from everyone else, and he’s the best of all time,” Iniesta stated, confidently backing the Argentine star.

Both Iniesta and Messi rose through the ranks of Barcelona’s famed La Masía academy, making their senior team breakthrough in the late 2000s. Under Guardiola, they formed the core of one of the most dominant sides in soccer history.

“I have no doubt he’s the number one in history,” Iniesta continued. “I’ve never seen anyone do what he does or have the same impact on a team. He made us better, and when you have Messi, you have the key to winning titles.”

Iniesta also scored Spain’s game-winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, giving La Furia their first-ever World Cup. To say Andrés Iniesta has not defined Spanish soccer is an understatement.

Often overlooked due to the flash of playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suárez, or Ronaldinho, it was Iniesta’s through passes and intelligence in pacing himself on the field that proved pivotal to Barcelona.

Andrés Iniesta to Retire in October 2024

After his Barcelona days, Andrés Iniesta went on to play in the Japanese J-League with Vissel Kobe, spending six seasons at the club and winning three championships. His last stop was with Emirates Club in the UAE.

According to a Revelo report, Iniesta will announce his retirement on October 8th, the eighth being significant as it has been his kit number since the start of his illustrious career.

Andrés Iniesta was renowned for his exceptional playing style, characterized by a unique blend of technical brilliance, agility, and vision. His ability to maneuver in tight spaces, combined with his impeccable ball control, allowed him to weave through defenders effortlessly. Iniesta excelled at reading the game, often dictating the tempo and flow of play with his precise passing and intelligent movement.

In a 2022 interview with TyC Sports, when asked about the greatest of all time, the Barcelona icon did not hesitate to name Lionel Messi as the most talented and decisive player he’s ever played with. With Messi, Iniesta won four Champions League titles, eight LaLiga titles, and helped form what many consider the greatest team of all time under Pep Guardiola.

“Messi is the best, for me. Whether we talk about the Messi of the past or today, he’s different from everyone else, and he’s the best of all time,” Iniesta said confidently when discussing the Argentine star. Both players, products of Barcelona’s La Masía academy, burst onto the scene together in 2008 under Guardiola.

“I have no doubt he’s the number one in history,” Iniesta continued. “I’ve never seen anyone do the things he does or have the impact he has on the team… He made us better, and if you have Messi, you have a key factor in winning titles.”

Iniesta builds his perfect soccer player

Iniesta didn’t just stop at naming Messi the best—he also created his ideal player by combining the best traits of his former teammates. “For a left foot, I choose Messi. For the right foot, I’d pick Xavi. Heading? That’s Sergio Ramos. And for physical strength, Cristiano Ronaldo,” Iniesta said during a LaLiga challenge in 2020, where he playfully pieced together his perfect soccer player. With the exception of Ronaldo, Iniesta won titles alongside all these players.

Messi and Iniesta’s record-breaking partnership

Together, Messi and Iniesta played in 482 matches for Barcelona. During that time, Messi scored 412 goals, provided 150 assists, and helped lead the club to 32 official titles.

Their partnership reached its peak in Champions League finals in 2009, 2011, and 2015, cementing their place as one of the greatest duos in soccer history. Iniesta has never hidden his belief that Messi is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in every sense.

After spending six seasons in the Japanese J-League with Vissel Kobe, where the Spanish number 10 won two titles and played 133 games, scored 26 goals and had 25 assists, Iniesta is weighing his options.

According to Marca in Spain and Ole in Argentina, Andrés Iniesta has an offer and is interested in going to Argentinos Juniors of the Argentine league.

Andrés Iniesta to Argentinos Juniors?

The famed Buenos Aires club has been home to greats such as Diego Maradona, Juan Roman Riquelme, and Fernando Redondo is currently coached by former Barcelona teammate Gabriel Milito.

When asked about the matter the Spanish midfielder stated, “we are in contact”, even head coach Gabriel Milito is reportedly involved in the talks to bring the 39-year-old to the club.

Argentinos Juniors are 12th in the current league table, but Iniesta would most likely be available after the summer transfer window. Iniesta ended his time with Vissel Kobe by mutual consent in a press conference where Iniesta was brought to tears.

However, things started to change under Xavi Hernandez. The team is starting to build an identity again and, despite the club’s financial crisis, the Catalans have pulled off some interesting signings.

But familiar faces have also made their way back to Camp Nou. Besides Xavi, veteran right-back Dani Alves returned to the club aiming to help in these particular circumstances. And it looks like a bigger reunion could be on the cards as Barca legend Andres Iniesta suggested he would like to be back.

Andres Iniesta admits he would like to return to Barcelona

“I would love to return to Barcelona,” Iniesta told journalist Gerard Romero on Twitch. “I would like to help the institution. There are many variables involved and it is difficult to know what will happen in the future.”

Iniesta, 37, has left Barca in 2018 to join Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe. At 37, the midfielder knows that his playing days are coming to an endbut heis not ready to call it a career yet. So he won’t rule out a return to Camp Nou.

“Barça is my home and I couldn’t be better than there. Today I like to think a lot about playing. That’s what fascinates me the most today. Time is running against me as they say, but I do not know where I see myself when I retire.”

Andres Iniesta says he also considers becoming a coach or sporting director

However, Iniesta also thinks about life after retirement sometimes. “Many times it crosses my mind that I would like to get the title of coach or prepare to be a sportingdirector. I would like to be linked to football, yes.”

Things haven’t gone well for Barca since he left and it looked like they hit rock bottom over the last two seasons, which is why he wishes to see the clubget back on track.“I want the same thing that all Barcelona fans want: for the team to do well, to come back and win points. And to achieve whatever is possible. Everything needs time. Everything.”

It remains to be seen whether Joan Laporta and Xavi will do something about this after Iniesta’s comments. Laporta had previously left the door open for a potential return of Iniesta and Lionel Messi in the future, claiming that”age is just a number.”

Forbes recently put out an article highlighting the top earners in 2021 in world soccer, and it should surprise no one that 9 of the 10 players play in the top leagues in the world and the top clubs such as PSG, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.

Here is the Forbes list of the highest paid soccer players in 2021, find out who made the cut and whose bank account will be exploding come December!

10. Eden Hazard

Real Madrid star Eden Hazard comes in at number 10, with total earnings of $29 million per season. His wages are comprised of his salary and sponsorship deals with McDonald’s and endorsements with Nike and Nissan.

9. Gareth Bale

The Real Madrid winger is back after a season with Spurs, in total Bale has won 13 titles with Real Madrid. Bale’s total earnings are $32 million, $6 million which come from endorsements such as TaylorMade since 2020.

8. Paul Pogba

The Manchester United and France World Cup winner Paul Pogba is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Pogba has total earnings of $34 million, in which he signed an endorsement deal with Adidas.

7. Andrés Iniesta

Still a top earner 37-year-old Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta who currently plays in Japan is at $35 million this year, $4 million of which come from endorsements and the rest salary. He signed a contract extension with Vissel Kobe.

6. Robert Lewandowski

Goal scoring machine Robert Lewandowski is one of soccer’s most feared forwards, and he should be the Bayern Munich target man has scored over 200 club goals. Lewandowski makes $35 million a year, $8 million which come from endorsements with Nike, Huawei and Head & Shoulders, besides other brands.

5. Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah is the team’s main target man and earns an estimated $41 million. One of the Premier League’s biggest stars millions of fans from the Muslim world tune in week in and week out to watch Salah play.

4. Kylian Mbappé

World Cup winner and Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappé comes in at number 4, at $43 million in 2021, $28 million comes from his PSG salary and the rest from endorsements such as EA Sports, who will have him on the cover of this years and next year’s game. Look for his salary to increase tenfold when Mbappé becomes a free agent in the summer.

3. Neymar

PSG’s Neymar earns $95 million of which $75 million is salary and $20 million in endorsements. Ney likes to get himself out there, he signed a deal with Puma, social media platform Triller, and is not shy about being in movies.

2. Lionel Messi

The great Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi continues to be at the top of his game on and off the field. His PSG salary is $75 million and his endorsements for the year will reach $35 million for a total of $110 million in 2021. Messi has endorsements of every kind and as long as he continues to put the ball into the back of the net look for those endorsements to increase.

1.Cristiano Ronaldo

No soccer player has the ability to showcase himself as a product better than Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 is everywhere and earns $55 million in endorsements plus another $70 million in salary. Ronaldo is the highest paid soccer player in the world at $125 million and has earned well over 1 billion in his career.