Lionel Messi considers Pep Guardiola the best manager

“For me, Guardiola is unique,” Messi told ESPN. “There are extraordinarily good coaches, but he has something different. For me, he’s the best of all of them.”

After leaving Barcelona after a highly successful stint in which they won 14 major titles between 2008 and 2012 with Messi being one of the main pillars of the side, Guardiola went to Bayern Munich and is now guiding Manchester City.

The success that Guardiola enjoyed wasn’t just a result of the players at his disposal, but the manager contributed a lot too, Messi felt. His managerial style brought results wherever he went.

“When it comes to seeing things, preparing for matches, and communicating with the players, he’s very complete,” Messi said. “He’s the best, and we were lucky to have him at Barcelona. He got together with the players we had and the right pieces came together for what he intended, to achieve everything that was achieved.”

The playing style Guardiola encouraged is also pleasing to the eye, the winner of four UEFA Champions League titles stressed.

“He went to other places and continued winning,” Messi said. “It’s not just because of winning but because of the way his teams played. He did it at Bayern, although he couldn’t win the Champions League there, he changed the way the game was played in Germany, the same in England with City, he changed the way the league is played.”

During his time in Germany, Guardiola won the Bundesliga title in each of his three seasons there, including two domestic doubles. Then in England, he has won 18 trophies, including six Premier League crowns and a Champions League, and the 54-year-old doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Messi, who won the MLS Cup for Inter Miami, will try to defend Argentina’s World Cup crown in North America next summer. It will be the sixth quadrennial extravaganza for him.

“This group is going to try again, they’re going to give it their all and fight,” he said. “Then, due to small details, you might be eliminated,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said.

“A World Cup is very difficult. Any team can give you trouble, can knock you out. The ball can hit the post and go in or out, you can lose on penalties.”