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"Ten years ago today, I received one of the most special recognitions during my career as a football player. The Ballon d'Or finalist nomination along with Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta," Xavi wrote on his Instagram.
"It was not only the three of us, it was a recognition of the whole Barcelona style and values. Visca el Barca!"
In 2010, Messi, Iniesta and Xavi ended up as the three finalists for the Ballon d'Or. It was the first — and so far the only — time in history that three players from the same academy ended up in the top 3 at the same time.
That year, Messi got the award while Iniesta and Xavi ended up in second and third place respectively. Xavi also ended third in the Ballon d'Or ranking in 2009 and 2011.
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