What New Barcelona Manager Quique Setien Told Lionel Messi When He Met Him

New Barcelona boss Quique Setien was walking around by the cows in his town yesterday and today he is managing the one and only Lionel Messi, who he absolutely adores.

Setien, who has managed both Real Betis and Las Palmas, met the six-time Ballon d'Or winner for the first time a few years back when invited to training by Pep Guardiola.

And he felt the need to tell Messi to continue strutting his stuff for a long, long time.

"One day, invited by Guardiola, I had the opportunity to watch Messi train from the side of the pitch," Setien told El Pais, as per MARCA.

"I went up to him and I asked him to keep playing until I was 60 years old, at least until I die."

Messi would then catch up with Setien after a game against Las Palmas in 2016, with the two having a lengthy chat after the game as they headed down the tunnel.

Now aged 61, Setien will have the privilege of working with Messi on a daily basis and already he sounds extremely excited to link up with the pint-sized Argentine.

Image: PA

"I have seen some great players doing wonderful things, but being so decisive for so long over 12 or 14 years as a professional, I think no player, maybe only Pele in his time, has shown that level," Setien is quoted as saying as per Metro.

"'He shows it in every game. I don't know how many hat-tricks he's had. It's a luxury to be in the same era as him, seeing him every Sunday for 12 or 14 years. He is very good."

Setien has gone on record to say he would cry on the day that Messi retires, while he also has a lot of respect for Sergio Busquets, who have him his shirt containing a message praising his footballing approach when Betis beat Barca 4-3 last season.

Image: PA

"I said that about a lot of players," Setien said in a press conference, via BBC Sport.

"I have enjoyed watching Barcelona for several years, watching them on television.

"To be able to manage the best in the world, and his team-mates - he has great team-mates - I have spoken to him and others.

"I have always said that the admiration is one thing but reality is different. Everyone needs to have their place. Messi is Messi, Busquets is Busquets."

Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Messi, Lionel Messi

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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