Nothing possible without Messi, says Pep

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has praised Lionel Messi, insisting the much of the club’s success during his tenure is down to the Argentine.

Messi has not scored in any of the reigning league champions’ last three matches, yet he still has 10 goals in nine La Liga games this season.

The 24-year-old missed a penalty in the 0-0 draw against Sevilla last Saturday, but Guardiola has shielded his star from harsh comments and singled him out for special praise.

“Messi knows very well what we all think, all of the coaching staff, the people that look after him, and the other players,” said Guardiola, who side lie third on the league table and two points behind leaders Levante.

“We are all delighted with what he does, has done and will do. And of course nothing that we have done would have been possible without him.”

“He is a different kind of player, his stats make him different and he lets you win games at all levels.”

“There is never a game in which he doesn’t generate chances.”

“It’s not debatable as far as we’re concerned. If there is any debate, then so be it, but it doesn’t weaken him and it won’t weaken him.”

Messi has often been compared with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil legend Pele and Argentina great Diego Maradona.

But Guardiola was keen to underline why his man stands out from the crowd.

“I don’t think there has ever been a player in history that can do what he manages to do every three days,” said Guardiola.

“It’s unthinkable. People buy tickets just to see him play and he is doing something unique.”

“To find a player that has managed to be so consistent for four years, who is so fit, who fights so hard as him, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Perhaps I’m too young, but I never played with anybody like him and I have never coached a player like that either.”

“He is a better player than anybody else, he has a gift.”

Guardiola spoke warily of Barca’s La Liga game against Mallorca on Saturday at Camp Nou.

“They (Mallorca) have their weapons. Mallorca are a team with character and they’re a difficult opponent,” he said.

“We will have to play with our heads if we want the three points.”

“We will have stick to our way of generating a lot of chances and making sure they don’t.”

In some good news for Guardiola, defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique have both been passed fit to play against Mallorca.