Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola was the one who kick-started Lionel Messi’s career, and the former FC Barcelona boss insists that not even nine defenders can stop the Argentine.
The Spaniard will return to Camp Nou for the first time as a coach and will try to stop Messi and co in order to reach the Champions League final with his new side.
“If he plays like he’s been playing recently, there is no defence which can stop him – not even with nine at the back,” Guardiola told reporters in his pre-match press conference.
“There's no team, no system or coach who can stop Messi. You can't defend against that kind of talent.
“All you can do is try to limit him, close down channels where he can get the ball but even then, you won’t completely stop him.”
Guardiola also insisted Barcelona have the advantage of having inside knowledge to how he works, and not the other way around.
“Barça have that advantage, they know me and how I work while I have no control over their talent and what they do out on the pitch,” he added.
“They are capable of doing things which you cannot anticipate.
“Very few defensive systems are effective against raw talent. We will need to augment our virtues to highlight any flaws Barça might have.”
Barcelona and Bayern have met eight times in European competitions, but the Catalans have only won one game, while losing five.
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