Pep Guardiola’s Honest Take on Lionel Messi: Where Does the Argentine Legend Rank in the GOAT Debate?
In a recently held Italian TV show, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on the legendary Argentine forward, Lionel Messi. As the former Paris Saint-Germain star’s future remains uncertain, fans and pundits alike are eager to know where he stands in the pantheon of all-time greats.
During the intriguing discussion, Guardiola categorically stated, "Maybe I’m disrespecting Pelé and Diego Maradona, but… he’s the best player of all time." He emphasized that seeing Messi in training every three days, the 34-year-old’s skills left him in awe: "What Messi did was beautiful. Every game, two goals and three assists. 15 years of consistency… When you see him up close, you realize what it really is. It’s unique. We’re lucky to have witnessed this; it only happens once in a lifetime."
Guardiola’s praise comes as no surprise, considering his history with Messi at Barcelona. However, the comments have sparked renewed debate about the Argentine’s standing among the all-time greats. While some argue his club records and individual accolades make him the greatest, others counter that his lack of international success, particularly in the World Cup, holds him back.
The decline of Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain career has led to intense scrutiny, with some questioning his decision to leave Barcelona. His current situation leaves his future uncertain, with his contract set to expire in 2025. Amidst the controversy, Guardiola’s endorsement has reignited the conversation about where Messi ranks in the long list of revered players.
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Former Toulouse and current Charlotte FC player Brecht Dejaegere recently shared an anecdote about his encounter with Messi at the Parc des Princes. According to Dejaegere, Messi described his experience at PSG as "la mierda" (essentially, a nightmare). While this comment may indicate a lack of fulfillment during his time in France, it also highlights the unbridled passion and commitment the Argentine showed during his Barcelona tenure.
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