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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Messi asked who had biggest impact on him at Barca</li><li>Pays tribute to Guardiola and Ronaldinho</li><li>Also gives a nod to ex-manager Vilanova</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi names Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho as Barcelona's two 'historical' figures who had 'greatest impact' - with emotional mention for late Tito Vilanova

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<p>The Inter Miami forward was asked which historical figure at Barcelona has had the greatest impact on him, to which he named ex-manager Guardiola and former team-mate Ronaldinho. He also paid tribute to his former manager Tito Vilanova, who died at the age of 45 in 2014, while making some honourable mentions as well.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>He told <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20241206/1002365969/messi-extrano-cules.html#google_vignette" target="_blank"><em>Mundo Deportivo</em></a>: "I think there are two that have had a big impact on me for different reasons. Pep [Guardiola], because I had him as a coach for many years and we achieved incredible things that we would never have imagined. And Ronaldinho, because the way he welcomed me, how he helped me, was very useful to me in my first moments in the first team. I also remember Andres (Iniesta) and Xavi as teammates, and the three who play with me here in Miami (Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez), who are also friends. And of course, a special mention for Tito Vilanova, whom we miss so much."</p>

WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

<p>Messi, Guardiola, and Ronaldinho are Barcelona legends in their own different ways. The former is arguably the best and most successful player to ever play for the Blaugrana, Guardiola may go down as their number one manager, and the latter was, perhaps, the most entertaining player to watch of all. They will be remembered for generations to come.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>While Ronaldinho is long retired, Messi will focus on playing for Argentina and Miami in 2025. Guardiola is focusing on delivering success as Manchester City boss having recently extended his contract.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Lionel Messi names Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho as Barcelona's two 'historical' figures who had 'greatest impact' - with emotional mention for late Tito Vilanova | Goal.com

Lionel Messi has named Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho as two historical Barcelona figures who had the greatest impact on him.

Lionel Messi names Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho as Barcelona&apos;s two &apos;historical&apos; figures who had &apos;greatest impact&apos; - with emotional mention for late Tito Vilanova