Messi and Guardiola: A Dream Reunion that Almost Happened

Introduction

The partnership between Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi at Barcelona was one of the most successful in football history. Together, they broke countless records, dominated the continental stage, and recorded the first-ever sextuple. Messi’s shift into the newly renewed ‘false nine’ position under Guardiola helped him score a colossal 91 goals in a calendar year in 2012.

A Reunion in the Making

A reunion between Guardiola and Messi was always seen as more of a romantic pipe dream than anything to be taken seriously. Guardiola’s ventures around Europe seemed to run parallel with the once-held belief that Messi would remain at Camp Nou until his retirement. However, financial troubles at Barcelona forced Messi out in 2021.

A dream move to Manchester City was widely touted at the time of his departure, although hopes were quickly squashed by a switch to Paris Saint-Germain. Messi spent three successful years at the Parc des Princes before departing for Miami, taking his seventh Ballon d’Or and a World Cup trophy with him.

A Close Call

It appears almost certain that Messi will never play another competitive game under his mentor, but it has since been revealed that the pair came remarkably close to a return in recent years. According to author Martí Perarnau, conversations between the two suggested a 2020 move to Manchester City was greenlit by both parties.

Perarnau quotes a direct conversation between the two, writing that Pep told Messi, “We train hard in Manchester.” Messi replied, ”Doesn’t bother me. I’m ready for hard work.”

Guardiola is said to have told the Flea, ”And I still give long tactical talks,” “Maybe you’ll get bored…”

“I’ll cope, I can cope with anything you throw at me,” came Messi’s response. The Catalan reportedly told his former protege that given that they were both almost a decade older, they may not get on like they used to.

“Pep, I just want the chance to do great things, to feel like I’m ready to smash it again,” Leo replied. In the end, the move never came about.

Conclusion

Messi remained in Catalonia for another year, before finally leaving. It is doubtful that we will ever see the pair reunited, but the fact that they came so close to a return in 2020 shows that the dream was not entirely impossible. The partnership between Guardiola and Messi remains one of the most successful in football history, and their near-reunion would have been a fitting end to an extraordinary chapter in the sport.