Featured Image Credit: beIN Sports - Getty Images
Topics: Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Premier League
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was quick to mention Lionel Messi after being asked if Erling Haaland was "the most complete centre-forward we've ever seen in this game".
Haaland netted the 10th hat-trick of his Manchester City career on Saturday afternoon as the reigning Premier League champions knocked four goals past newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
The Norwegian striker, who has bagged 94 goals in 101 games since joining City in the summer of 2022, is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in Europe.
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But even after scoring against all 22 opponents he has faced in England's top flight, he has a long way to go to match eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, according to his own manager.
Speaking to beIN Sports after Saturday's game at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola was asked if Haaland was the most complete centre-forward in football history.
"The most incredible forward that has ever seen is Messi," the former Barcelona boss said. "I never saw something like that."
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Guardiola often voices his appreciation for Lionel Messi. In fact, he has been known to mention the Argentine during team talks.
In an episode of Man City's 'Together: Champions Again!' documentary, the Spaniard gave a passionate team talk centered around Messi during their Champions League clash against Club Brugge.
Speaking to his side, he said: "Do you know why Messi is the best player I’ve ever seen in my life? Because he is a competitor. He’s an animal."
Guardiola continues: "And now, we pass the ball we take a look. When you pass the ball... attack here. You have to score the goals, guys. Messi passes the ball and goes in like a machine. He smells the goal."
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Having led 2-0 at the break, City went on to secure a 5-1 victory over their Belgian opponents.
Back in May, the Spaniard was speaking to reporters ahead of City's Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool when he pointed out that Messi was the greatest of all time.
"Everyone has an opinion but nobody can doubt he's there as the greatest of all time," Guardiola said.
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"For me he's the best. It's difficult to name a player who can compete with what he's done. The people who saw Pele or Di Stefano or Maradona. The opinions are sentimental, but the other side, if he wouldn't have won the World Cup, the opinion and my opinion wouldn't change."