“The Guardiola era was a bit confusing” - Lionel Messi makes honest admission about Barcelona academy under Pep’s coaching style

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi admitted that he did not quite like how Pep Guardiola's tactics were taught to young kids at La Masia. He believed their natural ability would be restricted as they were forced to follow a strict method.

Speaking to JP Varsky on Clank Media, Messi stated that six-year-olds were taught to take two touches and play faster. He instead wanted the kids to be taught to understand the game and work on their movements to find spaces instead. The Argentine said (via Mundo Albiceleste):

"The Guardiola era was a bit confusing. ... Many times, six and seven-year-old kids are already starting to be told that they have to play with two touches, to play fast, that they can't have much of the ball. I think that at that age it has to be a bit like what happened to me: to teach them to better understand the game, to know how to move, to find spaces, to play quickly, but not to take away the spontaneity of each one."

Lionel Messi flourished under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona. He played 219 matches under the Spanish tactician, scoring 211 and assisting 94 goals.

Lionel Messi learned a lot under Pep Guardiola but "didn't pay attention to tactics"

Lionel Messi revealed to JP Varsky on Clank Media that he never paid attention to Pep Guardiola's tactics. However, he admitted to having learned a lot under the manager and said:

“I didn’t pay much attention to tactics. With Guardiola I learned a lot and I began to understand much more about the game, about spaces, about ball possession, about managing games with the ball."

He added:

“Football has evolved a lot too. It is too tactical. Today any team with a 4-4 line or with five at the back, well organized and well worked, makes it difficult for you. Before, you could find much more spaces. Today it is more tactical and more physical."

Messi played the most matches of his career under Guardiola's management.