Lionel Messi makes Pep Guardiola admission as he explains what makes the Man City boss so ‘special’

Lionel Messi has heaped praise on former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola by jokingly saying that his style of play “did football a lot of harm.”

Guardiola began his senior managerial career in 2008 when he was chosen to replace Frank Rijkaard as Barcelona manager.

The Catalan has gone on to become one of the best coaches ever, winning the vast majority of league titles he has competed for in Spain, Germany and England, as well as two Champions Leagues with Barcelona.

Messi was one of those to benefit most from Guardiola’s coaching at Camp Nou, developing hugely under the Spaniard, and says he’s the best manager he’s ever had.

In fact, the Argentine says Guardiola is so good that he harmed football because many have tried and failed to copy him.

“Pep is the best coach I’ve ever had,” Messi told Movistar.

“Everything he planned always ended up happening. He is special in the way he sees things, prepares for matches and communicates.

“Guardiola did a lot of harm to football too because it seemed too easy, so simple that everyone wanted to copy it. Later I found many ‘Guardiolas’ out there, and you realize what we did, what that was.”

Messi won every trophy possible under Guardiola at Barcelona and has since added Ligue 1 and the Copa America to his cabinet.

The only prize that eludes him is the World Cup, and this winter will most likely be his last chance to get his hands on it.

With Argentina unbeaten in over 30 matches, they are one of the favourites to go all the way in Qatar.