Lionel Messi has paid an emotional and heartfelt tribute to his former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, speaking openly about the profound impact the Catalan manager had on his career.
In a recent interview with ESPN, the cordial relationship between Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola at Barcelona was revealed by the Argentine. He reflected on the years he spent working under Guardiola at the Camp Nou—years widely regarded as one of the most dominant periods in the modern game.
Messi, now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and captain of Inter Miami, looked back on the partnership that produced some of football’s most memorable performances.
Together, the duo reshaped the sport’s tactical landscape, winning numerous titles while transforming Barcelona’s playing identity into the global reference point it became.
For many supporters, analysts, and former players, Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola at Barcelona was era full of tactical innovation paired with the player’s unmatched brilliance that made Barcelona’s 2008–2012 era one of the greatest in club football history.
During their time together, Messi rose from prodigious talent to global superstar, while Guardiola enhanced his reputation as a manager capable of blending philosophy, precision, and artistry.
It is this combination, Messi suggested, that continues to define his admiration for Guardiola.
The Argentine forward did not hesitate when describing Guardiola’s place among the elite coaches he has played under throughout his long and decorated career.
Messi was unequivocal, placing the Manchester City manager at the very top.
“For me, he is unique. There are extraordinarily good coaches, but he has something different. For me, he is the best of all,” said Messi.
His praise stretched beyond Guardiola’s trophy cabinet—though the silverware is considerable.
Instead, Messi highlighted the deeper qualities that set his former coach apart: intellect, clarity, communication, and consistency across different clubs and challenges.
“In his vision, his game plan, his communication with the players… he’s incredibly well-rounded.
“He went elsewhere and kept winning. Not just because of the wins, but because of the way his teams play,” Messi added, pointing to Guardiola’s success at Bayern Munich and Manchester City as proof his ideas transcend any single squad or league.
Looking ahead to 2026 amid memories of Qatar
While the 37-year-old continues to shine in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, his attention has also turned to the international stage.
Messi confirmed he feels capable of competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
- Yaya Toure re-opens his feud with ‘SNAKE’ Pep Guardiola, who ‘treated him like DIRT’
- Man City could let Kalvin Phillips join Premier League rival for free
After guiding Argentina to glory in Qatar two years ago, the forward believes La Albiceleste have what it takes to challenge again—though he warned that the road will be fraught with difficulty.
“The national team is a group that will try again, give it their all, and fight. Then, small details can knock you out; a World Cup is very difficult,” commented Messi.
His caution is rooted in experience. Argentina’s triumph in Qatar was far from straightforward, despite their often superior performances.
Messi revisited two of the most dramatic moments of the tournament: the tense knockout matches against the Netherlands and France, both of which ended in nerve-shredding penalty shoot-outs.
“We were far superior against both the Netherlands and France, and we ended up going to penalties; then we had the beast that was Dibu (Emiliano Martinez), who helped us win, but you can get to penalties and not win,” he insisted.
It was a reminder that even the best-prepared teams can be undone by the unpredictable nature of knockout football.