Messi reveals a special lesson taught by Pep Guardiola

In the world of football, the partnership between Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola at FC Barcelona is always regarded as one of the most glorious chapters in football history.

Recently, the Argentine superstar disclosed a unique piece of advice from his former coach, which partly explains why Barcelona under Guardiola became one of the most fearsome winning machines.

In his statement, Messi admitted that he was always taught to maintain respect for the opponent, even when his team had built a large lead. “We once led 4-0 after just 20 minutes. But Guardiola always said the best way to respect the opponent is to keep scoring more goals”, Messi stated.

This philosophy clearly reflects Guardiola’s football mindset: never stop, never be complacent. Instead of easing off when holding a safe advantage, Barcelona maintained intense pressing, superior ball control, and relentless pursuit of goals. This rigor helped the Catalan club set numerous records and win countless major and minor trophies.

Under Guardiola’s guidance, Messi not only improved his skills but also refined his tactical thinking. Guardiola placed Messi at the center of the play, assigning him the “false nine” role, which sparked a new era of goal-scoring. This partnership helped Barcelona conquer the Champions League, La Liga, and many other prestigious titles, while elevating Messi to become the world’s best player.

Importantly, the message of “respect through scoring” does not imply underestimating opponents, but rather demonstrates the highest level of professionalism. In top-level football, slowing down or playing carelessly can be costly. Guardiola wanted his players to stay fully focused until the final whistle, regardless of the scoreline.

Currently, Messi is playing for Inter Miami CF, while Guardiola continues to achieve success with Manchester City. Although their paths have diverged, the values they built at Barcelona remain a benchmark of modern football.