Pep: "Messi Won 3 Ballon d’Ors Under Me, But This Player is the Most Talented Player I’ve Ever Seen."

Few managers in football history have had the privilege of working with as many world-class players as Pep Guardiola. From his time at Barcelona, where he molded a golden generation featuring Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, to Bayern Munich with Lewandowski and Thiago, and now at Manchester City with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, Guardiola has coached some of the finest footballers of all time.

Yet, when asked about the most talented player he has ever seen, his answer wasn’t Messi. It wasn’t De Bruyne. It wasn’t Haaland. Instead, he pointed to a player who is still only 24 years old—Phil Foden.

Coming from the man who witnessed Messi win three Ballon d’Ors under his management, this statement turned heads across the football world.

Messi’s peak years coincided with Guardiola’s era at Barcelona, during which he transformed from a highly skilled winger into a free-scoring false nine.

Messi’s Record Under Guardiola: 
🏆 3 Ballon d'Ors (2009, 2010, 2011) 
⚽ 211 Goals in 219 Games 
🎯 91 Goals in a Calendar Year (2012, just after Pep left) 
🥇 14 Major Trophies (2 UCLs, 3 La Ligas, 2 Club World Cups, etc.)

Messi’s numbers were staggering. He was the crown jewel of Guardiola’s tiki-taka revolution, making football look effortless. His dribbling, vision, finishing, and football IQ made him unstoppable.

So, why would Guardiola place Phil Foden above him in terms of raw talent?

At first glance, Foden may not seem like an obvious choice. He doesn’t boast Messi’s goal tally, nor has he won a Ballon d'Or (yet). But Guardiola’s claim isn’t about achievements—it’s about pure, natural talent.

What Sets Foden Apart? 

✅ Versatility: While Messi excelled as a forward, Foden has played as a winger, central midfielder, and false nine. 

✅ Two-Footed Genius: Unlike Messi, who heavily relied on his left foot, Foden is equally comfortable on both feet. 

✅ Tactical Intelligence: Raised in Guardiola’s system, he understands space and movement like few others. 

✅ Close Control & Dribbling: A blend of David Silva’s elegance and Messi’s low center of gravity.

Guardiola once said, “Phil Foden can play anywhere—left, right, central midfield, false nine. He’s an unbelievable player.” This ability to adapt makes him unique.

Talent alone isn’t enough. Messi combined his skill with relentless work ethic, an unbreakable mentality, and an ability to deliver in big moments.

Foden is still young, but he has already shown glimpses of greatness. He has delivered in key Champions League games, helped City dominate English football, and continues to improve each season.

Phil Foden’s Record at Man City (as of 2025):

🏆 6 Premier League Titles 
⚽ 110+ Goals 
🎯 70+ Assists 
🏆 Champions League Winner (2023)

These numbers are impressive, but they are nowhere near Messi’s level—yet. However, if Guardiola believes he is the most talented player he has ever seen, the football world should take notice.

Is Phil Foden truly more talented than Messi? That’s up for debate. What’s certain is that Guardiola sees something in him that even Messi didn’t have. Whether Foden fulfills that potential is up to him.

One thing is clear: If Pep Guardiola—who shaped Messi into a footballing god—believes Foden is the most talented player he has ever seen, then we might just be witnessing the rise of a future legend.