Kyle Walker recently shared a memorable story from a match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), offering an insightful look into his relationship with both Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi. Walker recalled a conversation with Guardiola ahead of the match, where the manager made an intriguing offer: “If Messi doesn’t score today, you’ll get a reward.” Walker, never one to shy away from a challenge, responded with confidence, “No problem, he won’t score.” Guardiola, however, wasn’t easily swayed. He reminded Walker, “Many have said that before you and didn’t get a reward.”
In hindsight, Walker couldn’t have predicted what would unfold. Messi, being Messi, found the back of the net during the game, as he so often does. But Walker’s competitive nature remained intact, and he remained focused on his task.
After the match, the squad returned to training, where Walker approached Guardiola with a bit of humor and curiosity. “What’s this reward you’re hiding from us?” Walker asked his manager, hoping for some clarity. Guardiola, in his typical thoughtful and calm demeanor, revealed the reward: “It’s Messi’s 2012 jersey, signed by him. He gave it to me in my last game with Barcelona.”
This revelation immediately piqued Walker’s interest. The 2012 jersey held significant sentimental value for Guardiola. For Messi, that year marked a time of immense success, and for Guardiola, it symbolized his final match as Barcelona’s manager before stepping away from the club. A jersey like that held deep emotional weight, representing not just a player’s talent but the enduring bond between two of football’s greatest figures.
Kyle Walker, always one to engage in playful banter, quipped in return, “If I play against you and assign a defender to mark you, and you don’t score, I’ll get it, but I think it will stay with me forever.” It was a lighthearted moment, reflecting Walker’s self-confidence and competitive spirit. But the conversation also highlighted something deeper: a sense of mutual respect for both Messi and Guardiola.
The anecdote also provided further insight into Guardiola’s admiration for Messi. Throughout the years, Guardiola has often spoken about Messi with reverence, acknowledging him as one of the greatest players in football history. This wasn’t just idle praise—it reflected a deep bond between the two that transcended the professional realm. Guardiola has always held Messi in the highest regard, and his comments about him reveal just how much he values the Argentine forward, both as a player and as a person.
Pep Guardiola’s admiration for Messi is well-documented. During their time together at Barcelona, Guardiola coached Messi to unprecedented heights. Under Guardiola’s leadership, Messi enjoyed one of the most successful periods in his career, claiming numerous titles, including multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. The bond between the two was special, and it extended beyond just their on-field success. Guardiola has often described Messi not just as a player, but as a motivator for the team. For Guardiola, Messi isn’t just a footballer; he’s the epitome of greatness.
Guardiola’s reverence for Messi doesn’t stop at mere words. Even after their time together at Barcelona, Guardiola continues to speak highly of Messi, constantly reminding his players of the Argentine’s extraordinary skills and what he means to the sport. In a way, Messi serves as a measuring stick for Guardiola—his greatness serves as a benchmark for any player, and his legacy as the greatest footballer in history remains a source of inspiration for the entire football world.
For Walker, this story exemplified the deep sense of respect that transcends time, where the legends of the past continue to inspire and motivate those in the present.
Walker’s anecdote also revealed a side of Guardiola that isn’t often seen in public. While Guardiola is known for his tactical brilliance and intense focus on the game, moments like these show his human side. He isn’t just a coach with a sharp football mind; he’s someone who holds dear the relationships he has formed with players like Messi, relationships that go beyond trophies and victories. Guardiola’s gestures, such as the gift of Messi’s signed jersey, are subtle reminders of how personal and profound his connections with players can be.
Moreover, the story speaks to the culture of respect and camaraderie that Guardiola fosters within his teams. His encouragement and support go beyond footballing skills. He understands the value of inspiration, and by constantly reminding his players of the greatness of figures like Messi, he encourages them to strive for excellence. It’s clear that Guardiola doesn’t just care about winning matches; he cares about the growth and development of his players as individuals, pushing them to unlock their full potential.
In football, moments like these—where respect for the game, its legends, and the relationships between players and coaches shine through—are often what truly define a team’s legacy. The trophy cabinets and medals are important, but they are only part of the story. The bonds formed between coaches and players, the respect for past legends, and the motivation to continually improve are what create a lasting impact.
Walker’s story also underscores the importance of humility and self-awareness in the world of elite football. Despite his confidence in facing Messi, he acknowledged the extraordinary challenge that comes with trying to stop one of the greatest players to ever play the game. The humor in his comments about the signed jersey reflects the humility that is often present behind the bravado of top athletes. Even the most confident players understand the scale of the challenge they face when up against someone of Messi’s caliber.
As for Guardiola, his words and actions speak volumes about his leadership style. He has always been someone who places a premium on hard work, dedication, and respect. By sharing his memories of Messi with his players, he ensures that they understand the high standards of excellence required to succeed at the highest level.
In the end, Guardiola’s relationship with Messi continues to influence his coaching philosophy, and his admiration for the Argentine forward remains a key motivating force within his teams. For Walker, the story of the signed jersey will always serve as a reminder of the respect and legacy that Messi represents. It’s not just a piece of memorabilia; it’s a symbol of what it means to strive for greatness, and the impact that legends like Messi leave on the game.
