Lionel Messi is a name universally known and respected by fans, players and managers in the football world.
It seems there isn’t anything that Messi hasn’t won or achieved. The Argentine was recently named the 2024 MLS MVP.
Since moving to the US the midfielder has shown a whole new audience his unquestionable ability, new manager Javier Mascherano recently praised Messi for his influence on the MLS.
The 37-year-old has yet to sign a new contract with Inter Miami, leaving many fans concerned about his future. However, Alexis Mac Allister recently explained that Messi looked happy in Miami.
Perhaps Messi could be even happier in Miami if the club continue to reunite him with some of his old Barcelona teammates, Marc Bartra is the latest player to be linked with a move.
Speaking of former Barcelona links, Messi has recently been praised by his former Barca boss Pep Guardiola.
Lionel Messi (r) of Argentina and Barcelona FC receives the men's player of the year award from his club coach Pep Guardiola during the FIFA Ballon...
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola labels Messi ‘different from anyone else’
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has managed some of the biggest and most successful stars in world football during his 17-year managerial career.
Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Andres Iniesta spring to mind but when asked who made the lineup of the 11 best players he had managed he could only name one, Lionel Messi.
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Speaking to Dani Garcia on his podcast, Pep said: “It’s impossible for me to put together a lineup of the 11 best players that I have ever coached, the only thing that I know is that Messi is there because he’s different from anyone else.”
Pep is not the only former acquaintance of Messi to praise him recently, Kylian Mbappe hailed Messi as an influence of his.
It’s clear to see Messi is loved and adored by those who he has played with and for over his career.
Guardiola and Messi’s record together
Certain players thrive under specific managers, and whilst this isn’t exactly the case for Messi, as he performs for everyone, the success he and Pep enjoyed together is eye-catching.
Pep became Barcelona’s first-team manager in 2008 having earned his stripes with the club’s B side the previous season.
Messi was already a world-beater at Barca upon Pep’s arrival but his game would be taken to another level under the Spaniard.
During the four seasons that Pep managed Messi, the pair won no fewer than 14 trophies together.
3 x La Liga
2 x Copa del Rey
2 x Champions League
3 x Supercopa de Espana
2 x Super Cup
2 x Club World Cup
Messi will be looking to add to his Club World Cup success with Inter Miami next summer and continue to prove to everyone why he is usually the first name on people’s team sheets.
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