Wednesday 6 May 2015 13:45, UK
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola believes Lionel Messi is unstoppable on current form as he prepares to face his old club Barcelona for the first time in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg.
Messi and Guardiola won 14 trophies together during the latter's glorious four-year spell in charge between 2008 and 2012, but insists even he does not have the formula to stop the four-time world player of the year, who has scored 51 goals in 50 games this season.
"There is no defence that can stop Messi. It is impossible," Guardiola said during his press conference on Tuesday.
"How he is playing at the moment, you can not stop him.
"Defending with nine in your area or 11 pressing high. You can't always be at your best physically during your career, there are ups and downs, but the way he has played the last four or five months there is no way to stop him. He is too good.
"Obviously you have to get close and try to ensure he receives the ball less, but there is not a system or coach to stop talent of his magnitude."
Guardiola is looking to guide Bayern into the Champions League final having won the competition twice with Barca in 2009 and 2011.
Despite admitting the club was once his life, the 44-year-old says it will be strictly business at the Nou Camp.
"Barca is a very important part of my life. Until now it was everything, but I am here to win.
"It's inevitable not to remember things now. When I joined Bayern, sooner or later this could happen, but the first time is the first time.
"I am not here for an homage but to see Bayern through to the final."
