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Messi remembers Barcelona and talks about the future: Guardiola 'damaged' football, I can't help but think about...

2025-04-18 17:55:29 / SPORT ALFA PRESS

Messi remembers Barcelona and talks about the future: Guardiola

Lionel Messi has given an interview to the 'Simplemente Fútbol' channel on YouTube, where he nostalgically recounted his time at Barcelona and shared his thoughts on the coaches who have led him in Catalonia, with a special emphasis on Pep Guardiola.

"I always say that the first dressing room I entered was extraordinary. I'm very grateful for the welcome everyone gave me: Ronaldinho, Deco, Sylvinho, also Xavi and Iniesta who were there, and Puyol... They were big names and the team was incredible.

"We won the Champions League for the first time after a long absence. The fact that Rijkaard believed in me and made me part of that team was something extraordinary for me, I was very happy," Messi recalled.

After the Dutchman Rijkaard, he did not spare praise for the Catalan coach: "Pep Guardiola is from another world. He is different, he sees things that no one else sees.

He changed football. Everyone wanted to copy us. In fact, in a way, he damaged football, because people were trying to play like our Barça.

But we were a special team… that midfield with Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta – everything was perfect between the players and the coach.

"Guardiola, for me, is different. A person who pays attention to details, has a special way of thinking and a vision that others don't have. Football changed completely. After us, everyone wanted to imitate Barcelona."

The Argentine 'star' emphasized the gratitude he feels towards the club that raised him: "To say that I have won everything in football is something truly precious."

"In terms of the team, I was lucky to win everything, both with clubs and with the national team. I think I will appreciate it more as time goes by. I am very grateful for this, for everything that has been given to me. Yes, God gave me all this."

He also recalled that after the World Cup, he wanted to return to the 'Camp Nou': "After the World Cup, I didn't see myself in any other European team than Barcelona.

"My goal was to return. To return home, to where it all began. But unfortunately, it wasn't possible."

Regarding the choice to transfer to the USA, Messi said: "The decision to come here was completely family.

"We came to the United States, to Miami, to experience this new experience," emphasized the 38-year-old, who still maintains a thirst for competition: "I have no doubt that I will continue to compete.

"This nature has never left me, because it is part of me. This is how I grew up. I love winning and competition."

Finally, he admitted that he is thinking about another World Cup: "This year will be decisive for my future in terms of the World Cup. I would be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about it."

 

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