Lionel Messi is leaving Barcelona, it is the news that has shook the soccer world on August 5th, 2021. After 21-years Messi will leave the club, he has won 34 championships with. In that time many believe Messi played his best soccer under the management of Josep Guardiola.
Josep Guardiola left Barcelona in 2012 to continue his successful coaching career at Bayern Munich where he stayed until 2016. Since then, the Spanish coach has been at Manchester City, where Guardiola has won 10 titles.
Since the Barcelona and Lionel Messi scandal broke last year one thing has been consistent, Manchester City has kept a close eye on Messi and Guardiola could be the central figure to push a deal to the finish line. Not keen on paying an outlandish transfer fee, Manchester City’s patience has finally paid off and they could swoop in and get Messi on a free transfer. If it happens, Messi will reunite with Josep Guardiola, both have a history of success that marked the best moment in history for Barcelona.
Lionel Messi and Josep Guardiola history
Under the guidance of Josep Guardiola Lionel Messi and Barcelona played what many considered to be the best soccer a club team has ever displayed. From 2008 - 2012 Barcelona literally ruled the soccer world. Messi was one of the main pieces of a team that had Dani Alves, Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Gerard Piqué in the squad. Winners of three La Liga titles, 2 Copa Del Rey’s, 3 Spanish Super Cups, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, 2 UEFA Super Cups, and 2 FIFA Club World Cup.
During those years Messi won the Ballon d'Or four times in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. In their final season together, Messi scored 50 goals in 37 La Liga matches and 73 total in the season, his best output to date.
While Messi has grown older, there is no question that Guardiola can build a team around Messi, with Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho, and Kevin De Bruyne on the roster the possibilities are endless. Now it’s all up to City Group and that big checkbook to make the reunion happen.
