Pep Guardiola puts Messi above Pele and Maradona in the GOAT debate

The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, expressed his opinions about former Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi. Since the Argentine is nearing the conclusion of his playing days, opinions regarding the player’s standing are open.

Pep Guardiola, the Spanish manager of Manchester City, took some time on Sunday to appear on the Italian talk program Che Tempo Che Fa, even though his future at the club is uncertain because his contract expires in June 2025. Enjoying some downtime over the international break, thinking back on the past, and of course, reliving memories of Messi, was the opportunity.

“Maybe I’m disrespecting Pelé and Diego Maradona, but… he’s the best player of all time,” Guardiola said (h/t RMC Sport). “I saw this guy in training, every three days… what Messi did was beautiful.

“Every game it was two goals and three assists. 15 years of consistency… When you see him up close, you realize what it really is. It’s unique. We’re lucky to have witnessed this, it only happens once in a lifetime.”

The winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup joined PSG after his Barcelona career ended in 2021, yet neither team’s time was as successful as expected. The Parisians could not advance past the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, and toward the end, it appeared like both teams were eager to go on.