Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi formed a bond during their time together at Barcelona. Now, as Guardiola leaves Manchester City, Major League Soccer faces a question: where do you go after Lionel Messi? The league has struggled to replicate the social media hits, record-breaking attendances, and global attention Messi brought. But the solution may be obvious: target a manager, not a player.
Guardiola’s Next Chapter
Guardiola, one of the game’s greats, leaves Manchester City this summer. He has achieved everything in European club football, from the Champions League to domestic titles. A move to a different continent could be tempting. He will become a “global ambassador” at City Football Group, which includes MLS’s New York City FC, offering technical advice.
A Sabbatical and a Stadium
Guardiola has said he wants a long break from coaching. “I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I will be out for a while,” he stated. This sabbatical could align with NYC FC’s move to a new soccer-specific stadium in Queens. Guardiola previously spent a year-long break in New York after Barcelona, finding it a place to recharge and discover new ideas. “New York represented a fresh start,” wrote biographer Martí Perarnau. The city intrigues him, and he thrives on its culture.
A New Challenge
MLS presents a unique challenge. With a salary cap and roster limitations, Guardiola could experiment with tactics in an extended regular season. It would answer the question: what could he do with limited resources? While salaries are capped, staff spending is not, opening the door for an ambitious owner. Where better for Guardiola to change soccer than in a country where it is not the only game, but where participation is high and potential untapped?
MLS won’t find its next Messi, but attracting the mentor who helped shape Messi could have an even bigger impact on US soccer.
