Pep Guardiola told Lionel Messi to 'shut up' after star failed to show respect

Former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez has shared a story of Pep Guardiola stepping in to lay down the law in an argument with Lionel Messi.

Marquez, a Mexican football legend who now serves as assistant for his national team, was part of La Blaugrana's squad from 2003 to 2010. During this period, he clinched four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. Messi, of course, played a major role in a lot of that success.

But according to Marquez, the iconic Argentinian clashed with his team-mates occasionally despite his quiet demeanour. And it was Guardiola, who has led Manchester City to six Premier League titles in eight years, that would reign him in.

READ MORE: Inside David Beckham's Inter Miami - Lionel Messi signing, 'ruthless' sacking and Club World Cup

READ MORE: Gary Lineker's Match of the Day future and what happens if he leaves BBC

A particular incident perfectly illustrates the power dynamics at Nou Camp during the Spaniard's reign. "Yes, in a five-a-side game," Marquez replied, when asked if he clashed with Messi during his time in Spain.

"He was on my team and of course, Messi had the ball. He had the goal to shoot and he didn't shoot. We were losing and we said to him: 'Messi, shoot, Messi, score a goal'. Nothing.

"Until I got p***ed off and told him: 'Messi, let go of the ball, bro.' So he approached and answered me. Pep arrived and said: 'Messi, shut up. You have to respect Rafa's hierarchy.'"

Guardiola's tenure at the helm of the club was marked by a duo of Champions League triumphs and a trio of league crowns before he made the switch to Bayern Munich in 2013. His arrival on English shores three years later would indelibly change the course of Premier League football.

His long-time defensive stalwart, Marquez, went on to recall the relationship he shared with Messi and how they didn't always see eye-to-eye. "I saw Messi's debut when he was young," he continued.

"We had heard that there was a boy at La Masia who was very different from the rest, who made a difference and was a real phenomenon. And the truth is, from his arrival, that was truly visible.

"We expected him to be a great player, but of course, we had to help him because he was very young. In training, I gave him a lot of orders and he listened. Messi and I were not big friends, we were colleagues."

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Sky Sports deal Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package

Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.

£43

Sky Get the deal here