Pep Guardiola Adjudges Lionel Messi as the Greatest CF in Football History When Asked About Haaland

With a strong 4-1 Premier League victory against Ipswich Town, Manchester City proved supremacy. Kevin De Bruyne's goal at 14' capped an outstanding effort when Erling Haaland's hat-trick at 12', 16', and 88' followed. Sammie Szmodics opened for Ipswich at 7', but City responded fast with a flurry of goals in six minutes and 59 seconds. City won rightfully at the Etihad Stadium because to its consistent possession, precision finishing, and good defensive showing.

Pep Guardiola calls Lionel Messi the GOAT of centre forwards when asked about Erling Haaland’s hattrick vs Ipswich Town

Declared as the greatest complete centre forward in football history, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ranks Lionel Messi above Erling Haaland. Haaland nett a hat-trick as Guardiola's squad defeated Ipswich Town 4-1 at home on Saturday, August 24.

Be IN Sports asked if Haaland was the most complete striker Guardiola has come across at the post-game news conference. The coach chose Lionel Messi as his first pick.

Interviewer:

"Is he [Erling Haaland] the most complete centre forward we have ever seen in this game?"

Pep Guardiola:

"The most complete centre forward ever seen is Lionel Messi."

From 2008 until 2012, Pep Guardiola coached Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Using Messi as a false nine—a technique generally acknowledged as one of the most successful in football—one of Guardiola's most praised tactical plays was this one. Lionel Messi scored 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year, which was the highest ever in football history.

Guardiola and Messi had great success together, amassing two UEFA Champions League trophies, three La Liga crowns, two Copa del Rey victories, three Supercopa de España triumphs, two Club World Cups, and two UEFA Super Cups.

By contrast, Erling Haaland has flourished at Manchester City under Guardiola's direction. Together, their successes consist of two Premier League crowns, one UEFA Champions League, and one FA Cup. Following his 2022 move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, Haaland also won the Premier League Golden Boot in successive seasons.