In an interview conducted between the Albiceleste’s Copa America championship defense, Argentina and Barcelona icon Lionel Messi recently discussed the impact of his former coach Josep Guardiola on football.
Guardiola and Messi enjoyed a legendary player-coach connection during their time at Barcelona. The two had great success together, winning several La Liga crowns and Champions League medals. Since then, many managers at all levels have largely adapted Guardiola’s tactical style.
What Lionel Messi said
Messi praised Guardiola’s brilliance but also pointed out a serious drawback, namely the “confusion” his method has created in the football community.
“The Guardiola era has caused a bit of confusion. Everyone wants to play like that now.
“At that age, what happened with me needs to happen for these kids… we shouldn’t take away their spontaneity,” Messi told reporters.
Messi and Guardiola connection
Messi was quick to recognize the significant influence Guardiola had on his own play despite his criticism. Messi said that he didn’t really consider tactics before he started working with Guardiola.
He acknowledged, nevertheless, that he had gained priceless knowledge about tactics, spaces, and ball possession under Guardiola’s tutelage, adding, “It was Guardiola who taught me a lot about tactics, spaces, ball possession.”
The Argentine sensation earned the prestigious Ballon d’Or award as the best player on the world in each of the four seasons he played under Guardiola at Barcelona, demonstrating how this schooling helped him develop into one of the greatest players in football history.
