Pep Guardiola: Man City success proves Messi didn't carry me at Barcelona

However, his achievements paint a different story. Starting at Barcelona in 2008, Guardiola quickly made history by leading the team to a treble in his debut season, claiming La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.

Over his four-year tenure, he amassed 14 trophies and cemented Barcelona's dominance in European football.

Central to this success was Lionel Messi, who thrived under Guardiola's guidance. Scoring 211 goals and delivering 94 assists in 219 appearances, Messi also won four consecutive Ballon d'Or awards (2009-2012), elevating his status as one of football's greatest.

In 2016, Guardiola embarked on a new chapter at Manchester City, where he further silenced critics.

Under his leadership, City have claimed six Premier League titles, including a record-equalling four consecutive championships.

The pinnacle of his City tenure came in the 2022-23 season, when he achieved a treble, including City's first-ever Champions League title.

Now contracted until 2027, Guardiola aims to extend his legacy. Following a brief slump, City ended a seven-game winless streak with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.  

READ MORE: Liverpool target Frenkie de Jong amid Ryan Gravenberch exit rumours