Pep Guardiola Sparks Debate: Declares Lionel Messi the Greatest Footballer of All Time
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has once again reignited the eternal debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time. In recent statements, Guardiola asserted that Lionel Messi is, without a doubt, the best player he has ever seen, emphasizing his consistency and quality over the years.
“Lionel Messi is the greatest football player ever. Maybe I’m disrespecting Pelé and Diego Maradona, but I can’t imagine anyone like Messi, with his consistency,” Guardiola said.
The coach, who had the opportunity to manage Messi during his golden years at FC Barcelona, added, “I saw that boy train every day and play every three days in an incredible way. When you see him up close, you realize what he truly is. He’s unique. We are lucky to be able to admire him. That’s the great beauty.”
The debate over the greatest of all time
Guardiola’s words, coming from one of the most respected managers in modern football, did not go unnoticed and have reignited the controversy over who deserves the title of the greatest footballer in history. While Pelé is celebrated for winning three World Cups, and Diego Maradona for his brilliance in crucial moments, many consider that Lionel Messi, with his style of play and achievements at both club and international level, has redefined what it means to be a decisive player.
Despite winning just one World Cup, in Qatar 2022, Messi’s defenders argue that his accomplishments in club football, his impressive record of goals and assists, and his ability to shine for over 15 years place him above any other player in history.
Profile: Lionel Messi, the Argentine genius
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His journey began in the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys, but it was his move to FC Barcelona at the age of 13 that marked the start of a legend.
Messi made his debut for Barcelona in 2004 at just 17 years old and quickly became one of the team’s stars. Throughout his career at the Catalan club, he won numerous titles, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 Champions League titles. He also secured six Ballon d’Or awards, football’s most prestigious individual prize, before winning a seventh with PSG.
Messi’s return to the Argentina squad
On the international stage, Messi crowned his career by winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, after several previous failed attempts, and also added the 2021 Copa América, a trophy that had eluded him for much of his career.
Lionel Messi’s major achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| World Cups | 1 (Qatar 2022) |
| Ballon d’Or awards | 7 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021) |
| Champions League titles | 4 (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) |
| La Liga titles | 10 (Spain) |
| Top scorer in La Liga | 474 goals (all-time record) |
| Copa América | 1 (2021) |
| Clubs | FC Barcelona (2004-2021), Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023), Inter Miami |
With these figures, Lionel Messi’s legacy is firmly established. While the debate over who is the greatest will continue, Messi’s consistency and level of play keep him among the top icons of world football.
The greatest of all time?
The debate remains open. While football fans continue to discuss who deserves to be called the greatest in history, Pep Guardiola has made his stance clear: for him, Lionel Messi, with his consistency and talent, is number one. However, figures like Pelé and Maradona will always have their place in the conversation, each with their own unique legacy in the history of the sport.
