As Lionel Messi celebrates his 37th birthday, his legacy as one of football’s greatest players continues to inspire fans worldwide. In a recent interview with Clank Media, Messi shared a memorable anecdote about his time under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, shedding light on the strategic brilliance that shaped one of the most iconic matches in football history.
The Birth of the “False Nine”
The “false nine” tactic, now a well-known strategy in modern football, was first introduced by Guardiola in a match against Real Madrid in 2009. Messi recalls the moment he learned about this innovative approach, just a day before the crucial clash.
“I found out about the false nine the day before the match,” Messi reminisced. “That afternoon at the training ground, Pep told me: ‘I want to play with a false nine, so the central defenders won’t have a reference point and you’ll be one more in the middle of the field. To win in Madrid, we need to have possession, be protagonists. If we want to win, we have to be far superior to them.'”
Guardiola’s Vision
Guardiola’s tactical vision was clear. He wanted Messi to drop deeper into the midfield, linking up with key players like Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, and Andrés Iniesta. By doing so, Messi would draw Real Madrid’s central defenders out of position, creating space for his teammates Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry to exploit.
“I want you to come back into midfield, link up with Busi, Xavi, and Andrés,” Guardiola instructed. “If their central defenders come out, we have Samuel and Tití who will run into space.”
Execution and Triumph
The strategy paid off brilliantly. Messi’s movement and playmaking abilities disrupted Real Madrid’s defense, allowing Barcelona to dominate possession and dictate the game’s tempo. The match ended in a resounding 6-2 victory for Barcelona, with Messi playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
“And well, that’s how we did it… haha,” Messi concluded with a chuckle, reflecting on the triumph that solidified Barcelona’s dominance and Guardiola’s reputation as a tactical genius.
A Legacy of Greatness
This iconic match not only showcased Messi’s versatility and football intelligence but also highlighted the innovative coaching methods of Pep Guardiola. The introduction of the “false nine” has since influenced countless teams and managers, becoming a staple in modern football tactics.
