A video of Pep Guardiola telling his Manchester City stars why Lionel Messi is the 'best player' has emerged online and it makes for fascinating viewing.
A clip from Man City's new documentary shows Pep Guardiola giving a passionate team talk, centered around Messi.
Together: Champions Again! provides behind-the-scenes access to the club's 2021/22 Premier League-winning campaign.
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Riveting footage from Man City's Champions League game against Club Brugge shows Guardiola telling his team why Messi is the 'best player' he's ever seen in his life.
Speaking to his side during an animated team talk, he exclaimed: "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 added: "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!
"And you have to cross it and you have to arrive."
Guardiola's rousing speech had the desired effect, with the Blues securing a big 5-1 win in Belgium - having led 2-0 at the break.
Kyle Walker, Cole Palmer and Riyad Mahrez scored in the second-half as Man City went onto finish top of Group A, ahead of Messi's Paris Saint-Germain.
But, just like PSG, Man City were eventually knocked out by Real Madrid, who beat Liverpool in the final.
The prestigious Champions League title remains at the top of Man City's trophy wish-list ahead of the new season.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Football
Nasir Jabbar