Lionel Messi is without a doubt the best player of all time, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, and the Spaniard claimed on Wednesday that his opinion would not change even if the forward hadn’t led Argentina to the World Cup championship in Qatar.
After 120 minutes of exhilarating action, Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties on Sunday thanks in large part to Messi’s two goals and one more in the shootout.
The 35-year-old, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell under Guardiola during their time at Barcelona, also won the Golden Ball award for the best player with supporters saying his performance had further elevated his status.
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“Everyone has (an) opinion but nobody can doubt that he’s there as the greatest of all time,” Guardiola told reporters before Thursday’s League Cup fourth-round clash against Liverpool.
“For me, he’s the best, it’s difficult to understand that a player can compete with what he’s done.
“The people who have seen Pele, Alfredo Di Stefano or Diego Maradona… the opinions are sentimental, but the other side, if he (Messi) wouldn’t have won the World Cup, the opinion and my opinion wouldn’t change.”
Guardiola said City’s 16 players at the tournament would slowly return for club duty.
“Today, six players came back. They had an incredible, unique experience. Hopefully they come back and work well and in four years they can have another experience in Canada, Mexico and the United States,” Guardiola said.
“The players at the World Cup are in greater shape than the players here,” a player said. In comparison to Rodri or Manuel Akanji, Sergio (Gomez), Erling (Haaland), Riyad (Mahrez), and Cole (Palmer) are a little out of sync.
“April or March are not an issue for me. Now that each player has experienced a new manager and league, we have a crucial match tomorrow against Leeds in the Premier League (United). Because of the tight January schedule, we need them back as soon as possible.
