**Messi Gives Shout-out to Pep Guardiola: The Coach Who Took Him to New Heights** Lionel Messi has opened up about his time working with the legendary coach, Pep Guardiola, describing him as one of the most influential coaches he's ever had the privilege to play under. The Argentine superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, praised Guardiola's unique approach to the game and credited him with helping him grow into the player he is today. During their time together at Barcelona, Messi and Guardiola formed a strong bond, with Messi acknowledging that their connection was more than just a coach-player relationship. However, since Guardiola's departure from Barcelona, their relationship has become more distant. Despite this, Messi has nothing but accolades for the coach who played a significant role in his development as a player. Messi has spoken fondly of Guardiola's tactical genius, preparation, and ability to communicate effectively with players. Under Guardiola's guidance, Messi was part of a dominant Barcelona side that won 14 major trophies, cementing his status as one of the best players in the world. What sets Guardiola apart, according to Messi, is his ability to see the game differently and push the boundaries of football. His impact on the sport is evident, and Messi's respect for him as a coach is palpable. As a player who has worked with some of the best coaches in the world, Messi's endorsement of Guardiola is a testament to the coach's exceptional talent and influence on the game. In the Nigerian context, Messi's comments on Guardiola serve as a reminder of the importance of having the right coach and system in place to unlock a player's full potential. For Nigerian footballers and coaches, Messi's words offer a glimpse into the high standards and expectations that come with playing at the top level, as well as the impact that a great coach can have on a player's career.