Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has suggested that something detrimental has occurred in football due to Pep Guardiola.
Messi played under Guardiola for four years at Barcelona — an era that defined football.
The Argentine legend went from being an elite talent to one of the best players in the world.
As for Guardiola, he cemented himself as a potential modern-day great at his boyhood club.
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Lionel Messi makes big Pep Guardiola suggestion
In tandem, the pair won three La Liga titles in a row, two Champions League trophies, two Copa Del Rey titles and all in all, 14 trophies.
Despite several legendary teams having come and gone since then, the consensus seems to be that the Barcelona team in that era is the greatest club side in football history — primarily due to the presence of these two greats.
However, while speaking to Clank Media, Messi feels that due to how much influence Guardiola has on the sport, it has impacted young players’ spontaneity at the youth level.
Messi said: “The [Pep] Guardiola era has caused a bit of confusion. Everyone wants to play like that now. They tell six, seven-year-olds to play with two touches, quickly. At that age, what happened with me needs to happen for these kids… we shouldn’t take away their spontaneity.”
Lionel Messi has a point but Pep Guardiola is not at fault for that
Messi certainly has a point as young players should have the freedom to enjoy their football but simultaneously, Guardiola is not at fault for having such an impact.
The £378,846-a-week man gives specific tactical instructions to top players with the purpose of winning trophies.
At the youth level, it is about player development.
Aspiring footballers, especially at a young age should be given the opportunity to find themselves on the pitch.
For that to occur, youth coaches must not implement the Manchester City boss’ methods.
Otherwise, the players they produce will also become far too accustomed to one style of play rather than being able to adapt to varying situations on a football pitch.
As a result, while Messi makes a fair point, Guardiola has simply gone about his job in the best way he sees fit.