Xavi Hernandez participates in a match of legends alongside Puyol

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez recently made a notable appearance, returning to the football pitch at the FIFA Legends Match held in Monterrey, Mexico.

This event, part of the FIFA and 2026 World Cup Organising Committee’s series of activities, saw Xavi donning his football boots once again, reliving his playing days.

He teamed up with other global football icons, including his long-time friend and former Barça teammate, Carles Puyol, as they participated in an international team composed of some of the sport’s most legendary names.

The international squad, which boasted players like Alessandro Del Piero, Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon, Diego Forlán, Didier Drogba, and Javier Zanetti, among others, faced off against a team of Mexican football legends.

What happened in the game?

The game itself ended in an exciting 3-3 draw, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout. Xavi played a key role in the victory, successfully converting one of the penalty shots.

Unfortunately for the Mexican team, Miguel Layun missed his attempt, the only one out of ten players to do so, ultimately sealing the win for the international side.

This gathering of football greats wasn’t just about competition, though. In the days leading up to the match, the players took time to engage with local communities, particularly children, sharing their knowledge and passion for the game.

What was the event about?

The event aimed to not only entertain but also inspire the next generation of footballers as part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will see matches held in various cities across Mexico.

The Legends Match itself was a star-studded affair. Aside from Xavi and Puyol, other notable participants included Julio Cesar, John Terry, and several Mexican football icons like Francisco Oswaldo Sanchez, Oribe Peralta, Luis Hernandez, Francisco “Maza” Rodriguez, and Ricardo Osorio.

These names brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement to the match, as fans were treated to the sight of their former footballing heroes back in action.

For Xavi, this match offered a moment of personal significance. After stepping down from his managerial role at Barcelona, he was able to experience the joy of being a player again, albeit in a more relaxed, celebratory environment.

Playing alongside legends of the sport, he once again demonstrated his skill on the pitch, proving that his passion for the game remains as strong as ever.