Guardiola Unfazed in GOAT Debate: "Messi is the Best, Hands Down"
Pep Guardiola, the highly-regarded coach, has never been shy about his admiration for Lionel Messi. During his time at Barcelona, the Argentine maestro blossomed into a global superstar, scoring an astonishing 221 goals in 219 games under Guardiola’s guidance.
The pair’s successful partnership was marked by three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. Their partnership was characterized by Messi’s incredible versatility, as he transformed into a false nine and dominated opposition defenses. This period coincided with the intense rivalry between Barca and Real Madrid, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge.
When asked about the GOAT debate during a press conference, Guardiola reaffirmed his opinion that Messi is the best player in the world. "Everyone has an opinion, but nobody can doubt that he’s there, with the greatest of all time," he said.
Guardiola believes that Messi’s achievements over the past 50-70 years are unmatched, making it difficult for anyone to compete with his impressive résumé. "If he hadn’t won the World Cup, my opinion about what he’s done for world football wouldn’t have changed absolutely anything," he added.
Messi’s incredible World Cup triumph has only strengthened Guardiola’s conviction that the Argentine is the best player in history. Even in his advanced years, Guardiola continues to sing Messi’s praises, citing him as the most incredible forward he has ever seen.
In an interview with beIN Sports, Guardiola stated, "The most incredible forward that has ever seen is Messi. I never saw something like that." While Erling Haaland has been making waves in the football world, Guardiola remains unwavering in his support for Messi, acknowledging the Argentine’s unmatched achievements.
Despite being on the cusp of linking up with Guardiola again at Manchester City, Messi ultimately chose to stay at Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. However, their mutual admiration society continues to flourish, with Guardiola continuing to hold Messi in the highest regard.
What do you think about the GOAT debate? Let us know in the comments below!
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