Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, has talked to his team about Lionel Messi.

The manager told his squad that Lionel Messi is the best player he has seen in his life.

Guardiola made this admission during an intense team speech from City’s new documentary.

The Spaniard could be seen playing back the video of Messi in Barcelona colours playing against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Guardiola coached Messi for four years during his spell as Barca manager.

“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 said.

He 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.”