Lionel Messi Reveals Why Pep Guardiola Is 'The Best Of All Time'

Last Updated:December 05, 2025, 13:01 IST

Lionel Messi calls Pep Guardiola the best coach ever, praising his unique football mind and impact at Barcelona, Bayern, and Manchester City.

Lionel Messi with Pep Guardiola, during their Barcelona days (X)

Lionel Messi has never been shy about praising the managers who shaped his career — but when it comes to Pep Guardiola, the admiration hits another level.

In an exclusive chat with ESPN, the Barcelona and Argentina legend hailed his former coach as a once-in-a-generation football mind, insisting Guardiola has “something different" and is simply “the best of all of them."

The timing of Messi’s praise is notable. Guardiola is contracted with Manchester City until 2027, but chatter about his long-term future continues to swirl. City remain calm, but with the squad evolving and the club subtly transitioning into its next era, the football world can’t help speculating.

Messi, who formed the backbone of Guardiola’s iconic Barcelona dynasty from 2008 to 2012 — a period that delivered 14 major trophies — says no other coach compares.

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

Messi has played under some of the most decorated managers of the modern era, yet Pep stands alone in his eyes — not just for his footballing brain, but for his ability to elevate players around him.

“When it comes to seeing things, preparing for matches, and communicating with the players, he’s very complete," Messi added. “He’s the best, and we were lucky to have him at Barcelona."

But Messi’s praise stretches far beyond nostalgia. He highlighted Guardiola’s ability to export his footballing philosophy wherever he goes.

“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 changed the way the game was played in Germany, and the same in England with City."

Guardiola’s résumé backs that up: three Bundesliga titles with Bayern, followed by an astonishing 18 trophies at City, including six Premier Leagues and a long-awaited Champions League.

Earlier this year, he crossed the 1,000-game milestone as a manager.

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