'We shouldn’t...': Lionel Messi on 'confusion' brought by Pep Guardiola's playing style

Lionel Messi has opened up on the playing style of Pep Guardiola amid criticism from a section of the fans that the former Barcelona manager had killed the instinctive nature of footballers.

Guardiola managed Messi for four seasons between 2008 and 2012 where the star attacker achieved new heights in his professional career. The Guardiola-Messi combination weaved magic for the La Liga giants as the club won 14 titles during that time which includes three La Ligas and two Champions League titles.

Messi is currently in the US for the title defence of Copa America as Argentina started off the campaign with a convincing win against Canada. Ahead of the second match against, Messi, in an extraordinary interview, shed light on Guardiola's philosophy.

"The Guardiola era has caused a bit of confusion. Everyone wants to play like that now," Messi explained.

"They tell six/seven-year-olds to play with two touches, quickly. At that age, what happened with me needs to happen for these kids... we shouldn’t take away their spontaneity," he added.

The statement from Messi is rare and it is widely believed that Guardiola played a major role in shaping the career of the Argentine. It was under Guardiola that Messi aced the 'false 9' role and went on to score 91 goals during the 2021 calendar year.

Guardiola's playing style

Guardiola is known for his possession-based football where the emphasis is on retaining the ball and moving the opposition so that half-spaces open up, allowing the attackers to meticulously put the ball to the back of the net.

However, the style, often takes out the fluidity and creativity of the players who are forced to operate in a certain way. The top teams of the past relied on 'off-the-cuff' movements and creativity of the players but there is a growing notion that Guardiola often stifles such ingenuity.

This is not to say that Guardiola's tactics have not evolved over time. At Manchester City, the possession-based game is married to counter-pressing which the Spaniard may have learnt from his rival and former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp.

The style may have its critics but it has helped Guardiola become one of the best managers on the planet. He managed to win four consecutive Premier League titles with Man City last month, on the back of a historical treble campaign in the 22-23 season.

(With inputs from agencies)