Lionel Messi, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, has won 46 trophies with clubs such as FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Argentina national team. With over 1000 appearances under his belt, Messi has scored 852 goals and provided 381 assists, setting records that will remain etched in football history.
Among his proudest achievements are four Champions League victories with Barcelona and his 2022 World Cup triumph with Argentina. These successes were made possible by his exceptional talent, but also by the influence of some of the best coaches of the modern era.
In a 1 interview with RAC2019, Messi revealed the two coaches who had the greatest impact on his career. The first was Pep Guardiola, with whom he worked at FC Barcelona. Under Guardiola, Messi reached unprecedented heights, winning numerous titles and redefining attacking play. Guardiola, known for his possession- and pressure-based style of play, allowed Messi to fully flourish.
The second coach mentioned by Messi is Luis Enrique, who also managed FC Barcelona. Under Enrique, Messi continued to shine, forming a legendary attacking trio with Neymar and Luis Suárez, known as "MSN." This period was marked by major successes, including another Champions League victory.
Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique both played a crucial role in Messi's development as a player. Guardiola harnessed Messi's potential by playing him as a false nine, which revolutionized his game. Enrique, on the other hand, maintained a balance between Messi's individuality and the team's collective strength, allowing the team to shine both in La Liga and in Europe.
Besides Guardiola and Enrique, Messi also worked with other great coaches like Frank Rijkaard, Tito Vilanova, and Ernesto Valverde. Each of them contributed their own personal touch to Messi's development, but it is Guardiola and Enrique who remain the most memorable in the Argentine player's mind.
Lionel Messi has had the opportunity to work with some of the best coaches in football history. Among them, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique stand out as the two figures who most influenced his career. Their impact on Messi's game and the success they shared are a testament to the importance of a strong relationship between a player and their coach. As Messi continues to write his story, these mentors will forever be etched in his legacy.
