Barca would not be where it is without Messi: Guardiola

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has showered praise on Lionel Messi, insisting the club’s success during his tenure is down to the Argentina captain’s presence in the squad, reports goal.com.
‘Messi knows very well what we all think, all of the coaching staff, the people that look after him, and the other players,’ Guardiola told the club’s official website. ‘We are all delighted with what he does, has done and will do. And of course nothing that we have done would have been possible without him.
‘He is a different kind of player, his stats make him different and he lets you win games at all levels. There is never a game in which he doesn’t generate chances.’
Messi has not scored in any of Blaugrana’s last three matches, yet he still has 10 goals in nine Liga games this season.
The 24-year-old recently missed a penalty in the 0-0 draw against Sevilla last week, but Guardiola has shielded his star from harsh comments and singled him out for special praise.
‘It’s not debatable as far as we’re concerned,’ said the manager. ‘If there is any debate, then so be it, but it doesn’t weaken him and it won’t weaken him.’
Messi has often been compared with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil legend Pele and Argentina great Diego Maradona. Guardiola was keen to underline why his man stands out from the crowd.
‘I don’t think there has ever been a player in history that can do what he manages to do every three days,’ he said. ‘It’s unthinkable. People buy tickets just to see him play and he is doing something unique. To find a player that has managed to be so consistent for four years, who is so fit, who fights so hard as him, I’ve never seen anything like it.
‘Perhaps I’m too young, but I never played with anybody like him and I have never coached a player like that either. He is a better player than anybody else, he has a gift.