Lionel Messi speaks on his relationship with Pep Guardiola

Lionel Messi Praises Pep Guardiola as His Most Influential Coach

Lionel Messi has once again spoken glowingly about Pep Guardiola, describing the Spanish tactician as one of the most influential coaches of his career and the best he has worked with.

The Argentine legend reflected on Guardiola’s tactical intelligence, meticulous preparation, and unique ability to communicate with players. While Messi admitted that they no longer share a close personal relationship following Guardiola’s departure from Barcelona, he emphasized the strong bond they built during their historic time together.

“The Best Way to Respect Your Opponent”

Messi recalled a lesson Guardiola repeatedly emphasized during Barcelona’s most dominant years respect for the opposition, regardless of the scoreline.

“I have always been very respectful towards my opponents. I remember Pep Guardiola always telling us something like that when we were doing so well.”

He described moments when Barcelona would already be comfortably ahead, sometimes 4–0 within the first 20 minutes of a match. Even then, Guardiola insisted on maintaining intensity and professionalism.

“At that point, it was already the 20th minute and we were winning 4-0… Guardiola would tell us, ‘The best way to respect your opponents is to always play the same way, by scoring goals.’”

For Messi, that philosophy became foundational to his approach to the game.

“That’s what I always try to do. Be respectful, be serious and play my game. Obviously, you get heated and there are many situations, but everything that happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”

A Transformational Era at Barcelona

Under Guardiola’s management at Barcelona, Messi evolved from an immensely talented forward into arguably the best player in the world. The partnership produced one of the most dominant periods in modern football.

Between 2008 and 2012, Barcelona won 14 major trophies under Guardiola, including multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League crowns. Messi operated centrally during this era, a tactical adjustment that unlocked his full potential and redefined his role in world football.

Guardiola’s vision not only maximized Messi’s strengths but also reshaped how the sport itself was played. The emphasis on positional play, high pressing, and technical superiority became hallmarks of a revolutionary Barcelona side.

A Lasting Legacy

Messi has often described Guardiola as “special” a coach who sees the game differently and influenced football on a global scale. While their professional paths have since diverged, the impact of their collaboration remains undeniable.

For Messi, Guardiola was more than a manager; he was a mentor who helped refine his mentality, discipline, and understanding of the game. And for football fans, their time together stands as one of the most iconic player-coach partnerships in the sport’s history.