The partnership between Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi during their time at Barcelona was truly exceptional. Together, they shattered records, dominated Europe, and enjoyed unprecedented success. A key factor in their triumph was Guardiola’s tactical brilliance, which enabled Messi to excel in the “false nine” position.
This decision was a masterstroke, as Messi went on to score a remarkable 91 goals in a single calendar year in 2012. This achievement highlighted the incredible harmony between the two, cementing their legacy as one of football’s most legendary duos.
Despite their incredible successes, a reunion between Guardiola and Messi once seemed unlikely. However, it has since emerged that they almost reunited at Manchester City in 2020. According to author Martí Perarnau, the two had discussions in which Messi showed interest in joining City.
Perarnau recounts a conversation in which Guardiola told Messi, “We train hard in Manchester,” to which Messi replied, “Doesn’t bother me. I’m ready for hard work.” Guardiola also warned him about the long tactical sessions, joking that Messi might get bored. Messi responded confidently, “I’ll cope, I can cope with anything you throw at me.”
Although both were eager to reunite, the move never materialized. Messi stayed at Barcelona for another year before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Now at Inter Miami, the chances of Messi ever playing under Guardiola again seem unlikely.
Despite this, the speculation around a potential reunion will continue to captivate football fans. Nevertheless, their time together at Barcelona remains one of the most successful and dominant periods in football history.
