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Lionel Messi has praised his former coach, Pep Guardiola, saying he is “from another world” and that he changed football forever. Messi believes Guardiola’s tactics have left a lasting mark on the game, both good and controversial.
WHAT MESSI SAID ABOUT GUARDIOLA
In an interview, Messi described Guardiola as a unique thinker: “He’s different; he sees things no one else does. He changed football. Everyone wanted to copy us. In fact, he kind of did harm to football because people tried to play like our Barcelona.” Messi’s words refer to the time when Barcelona, under Guardiola, controlled the football world with a possession style that amazed fans and puzzled opponents. Guardiola’s tactics, known for tiki-taka, positional play, and total control, made Barcelona the gold standard in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with Messi as the main player.
HOW GUARDIOLA CHANGED FOOTBALL
Guardiola’s influence spread beyond Spain. His ideas about positional play, pressing, and building from the back have guided coaching across Europe, especially in England. Since joining Manchester City in 2016, he has won multiple Premier League titles with a style that values technical skill and tactical insight. Many coaches have tried to copy him but with mixed success, as not all teams have the talent or resources of Guardiola’s teams. Some critics echo Messi’s views, saying that copying this style has created unrealistic expectations at other clubs and taken away the traditional physical side of football.
GUARDIOLA, MESSI, AND THE FUTURE
Guardiola’s time at Barcelona continues to influence the game. Young coaches and players try to bring parts of his ideas to their teams. For Messi, nearing the end of his career, Guardiola’s influence is a key part of his story. Manchester City is competing for another Premier League title, showing that Guardiola’s methods can still win consistently. Looking ahead, the discussion about Guardiola’s impact—artistry versus practicality, innovation versus tradition—will likely persist. However, Guardiola and Messi’s names are firmly in football history as two of the best to ever affect the sport.
