After a few seasons with Barcelona, Lionel Messi won La Liga and the Champions League but on the national level, he had to wait until 2022 to win the World Cup. With Argentina, he won Copa America in 2021 and 2024 but before that, his only successful tournament was the Olympics in 2008, where he won the gold medal with Argentina U23. But if it were up to Barcelona executives, he wouldn’t have that medal. The only man who provided him with the chance was Pep Guardiola.Messi’s Midas touchAt the time, the Spanish tactician just became the coach and wasn’t so popular and powerful as he is now. Barcelona was also in a very delicate situation. The Catalans finished in third position and had to qualify for the Champions League. Off course, losing was not an option as it would have huge financial implications, not to mention the reputation for the club. And the Olympic Games were held in China just when the third qualifying round match against Polish outfit Wisla Krakow was supposed to be played.”Nobody wanted me to go to the Olympics with the national team. That was until Pep Guardiola got involved” recalled Messi, speaking with journalist Juan Pablo Varsky.A touch of destiny part 1The Argentinian legend explained that the pressure in the club was big, but that Guardiola played a key role and allowed him to go to the Games.“When Pep arrived, we had just started training and there was some buzz about whether I would go to the Olympics or stay. We had to qualify for the Champions League no matter what. I looked unhappy during training because I wanted to go to the Olympics, and he noticed. He’s very smart, nothing escapes him. He got to know me quickly, I’m transparent. He said to me, ‘Don’t worry, we will qualify for the Champions League. Go, win the Games, and come back; it’s going to be a long year and we’ll enjoy it” revealed Messi. As so many times, Guardiola was right. Messi enjoyed his participation and won his first trophy with Argentina, while Barcelona qualified for the Champions League without him.##NAJAVA_MECA_8232819##
