Márquez revealed that Guardiola sided with him in a confrontation with Messi

Although many believe that Pep Guardiola and Leo Messi have only had good moments, the reality is that in the past the Spanish coach had to reprimand Messi. This was revealed in an interview with Rafa Márquez, in which the Mexican assured that the strategist sided with him in a five-a-side training session. After shouting at the Argentine, he reacted, and Guardiola asked Leo to respect the hierarchy of the Kaiser, who had arrived at Barça in 2003. Without a doubt, it didn't escalate, but to this day, that heated confrontation between Rafa and Leo is remembered.

While the partnership between Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola at Barcelona is often hailed as one of the most successful in football history, a lesser-known incident reveals a more human side to these iconic figures. In a recent interview, former Barcelona defender Rafa Márquez shared a story about a heated exchange he had with Messi during a training session, which was ultimately resolved by Guardiola.

Márquez, a seasoned veteran who joined Barcelona in 2003, recounted a time when a younger, more impetuous Messi challenged his authority on the pitch. During a five-a-side game, a disagreement arose between the two players, leading to a heated exchange. When the situation escalated, Guardiola stepped in to mediate. The Spanish manager reportedly told Messi to respect the hierarchy and seniority of Márquez, reminding the young Argentine that the Mexican defender had been at the club for several years and had earned the respect of his teammates.

This incident offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics within the Barcelona dressing room during Guardiola's tenure. While Messi is often portrayed as a humble and team-oriented player, this anecdote suggests that even the greatest footballers can have their moments of ego and immaturity. Guardiola's intervention in this situation highlights his ability to manage a talented but sometimes volatile squad.

The incident between Messi and Márquez also serves as a reminder that even the most successful teams experience internal conflicts. However, it is how these conflicts are handled that ultimately determines a team's success. In this case, Guardiola's decisive action helped to maintain harmony within the squad and ensure that the team continued to perform at the highest level.