MX23RW : Thursday, June 13 02:25:09| >> :120:21871:21871:

Lionel Messi hails "special" Pep Guardiola amid Manchester City speculation

Messi hails
© Reuters
Wantaway Barcelona star Lionel Messi heaps praise on Pep Guardiola amid speculation surrounding a potential move to Manchester City next year.

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has hailed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as "special" amid speculation regarding his next career move.

Man City are one of the few sides thought to possess the financial muscle to pull off a move for Messi, who is expected to leave Barcelona when his deal expires in the summer.

A reunion with Guardiola could supposedly tempt the six-time Ballon d'Or winner into making the switch to the Etihad, and Messi has added fuel to the fire by lavishing praise on his former manager.

Speaking to La Sexta, the 33-year-old said: "Pep has something special. He makes you see things in a wonderful way, how he prepares for games, how to defend, and how to attack.

"I was lucky to train under Guardiola and Luis Enrique, the two best. Having them made me grow a lot physically and mentally, and also the tactical wisdom they've taught me."

Paris Saint-Germain have been tipped to rival Man City for Messi's signature, with Mauricio Pochettino - reportedly close to becoming PSG's new manager - said to be hopeful of striking a deal for the talisman in order to reunite him with Neymar.

ID:428104: cacheID:428104:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2597:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Lionel Messi in action for Barcelona on December 19, 2020
Read Next:
Pochettino wants Lionel Messi at PSG?
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, June 14
 
8pm
Saturday, June 15
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Sunday, June 16
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Monday, June 17
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, June 18
 
5pm
Wednesday, June 19
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Thursday, June 20
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Group Stage
Spain
vs.
Italy
Friday, June 21
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 22
 
5pm
 
8pm
Sunday, June 23
 
8pm
 
8pm
Monday, June 24
 
8pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, June 25
 
5pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
 
8pm
Wednesday, June 26
 
5pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 29
Sunday, June 30
Monday, July 1
Tuesday, July 2
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Germany Germany00000
2 Hungary Hungary00000
3 Scotland flag Scotland00000
4 Switzerland Switzerland00000

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Albania national flag Albania00000
2 Croatia Croatia00000
3 Italy Italy00000
4 Spain Spain00000

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Denmark Denmark00000
2 England flag England00000
3 Serbia Serbia00000
4 Slovenia Slovenia00000

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Austria Austria00000
2 France France00000
3 Netherlands Netherlands00000
4 Poland Poland00000

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Belgium Belgium00000
2 Romania Romania00000
3 Slovakia Slovakia00000
4 Ukraine Ukraine00000

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Czech Republic Czech Republic00000
2 Georgia Georgia00000
3 Portugal Portugal00000
4 Turkey Turkey00000


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!