Lionel Messi hailed his former coach Pep Guardiola in an exclusive interview with ESPN, saying he has "something different" and is the "best of all of them."

The wide-ranging interview, which will be released in full at 8 a.m. ET (1 p.m. GMT), sees Messi praise his former boss Guardiola, who guided him at the start of his career.

"For me, Guardiola is unique," Messi said.

"There are extraordinarily good coaches, but he has something different. For me, he's the best of all of them."

Messi was the key pillar of Guardiola's Barcelona sides that won 14 major titles between 2008 and 2012.

The now-Inter Miami forward has worked with many coaches, but he places Guardiola above the rest.

"When it comes to seeing things, preparing for matches, and communicating with the players, he's very co

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